The Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) has lauded religious leaders in Sumaila Local Government Area for their consistent support in advancing public health, particularly in promoting immunisation and other life-saving interventions.
In a statement signed by the Executive Administrator of CHR, Nafisa Shehu Ibrahim, the organisation expressed deep appreciation to the religious leaders during a meeting held on Saturday, 4th October 2025, at the District Head’s Palace in Sumaila.
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The session, jointly conducted by the LGA Health Educator and CHR’s Executive Administrator, brought together religious leaders from all wards of the area.
The engagement aimed to thank them for their continued cooperation and to seek further collaboration for the success of the ongoing Integrated Health Campaign.
According to CHR, the meeting strengthened mutual understanding and reinforced the shared commitment to ensuring that every eligible child in the community receives life-saving vaccines.
Building on the success of the Sumaila engagement part of broader statewide efforts,CHR appealed to religious leaders across Kano State to continue using their influence to mobilise communities, particularly women and children, for full participation in the campaign.
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The organisation emphasised that by speaking to their followers about the benefits of vaccination, leaders can help increase coverage, build trust in health interventions, and encourage families to take timely preventive actions.
The Integrated Health Campaign, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), was officially flagged off on 6th October 2025 at the State House in Abuja and simultaneously in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Day One of the campaign began on 7th October 2025, marking a statewide effort to expand access to essential health services and boost immunisation coverage.
The campaign integrates several critical health interventions, including vaccinations against Measles, Rubella, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Polio, and other routine immunisation antigens, as well as treatment for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
These vaccines are safe, effective, and free, playing a vital role in protecting women and children from preventable diseases and strengthening the overall health system.
As part of its pre-campaign activities under the CSO-led Polio Demand Generation Project in Sumaila LGA, CHR organised this meeting with religious leaders alongside other community sensitisation activities aimed at fostering awareness, building trust, and encouraging participation.
The intervention is implemented in collaboration with Afrihealth for Social Development and Impact (ASDI), with a shared vision of ensuring that every child in Kano State has access to life-saving vaccines and essential health services.
CHR reiterated that its involvement in the campaign aligns with its core mission of improving Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare, particularly for women and children.
The organisation further highlighted its active role as a member of the Kano State Community of Practice on Immunisation Budget Tracking, Accountability, and Sustainability under the Zero Dose Learning Hub, coordinated by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Through this collaboration, CHR continues to advocate for transparency, efficient resource utilisation, and sustained efforts to reach every child with life-saving vaccines.