Stakeholders in the immunisation sector converged in Kano for the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) Community of Practice (CoP) quarterly review meeting, a platform dedicated to advancing strategies for reaching children who have not received any routine immunisations.
The ZDLH project, implemented by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) funded by GAVi, is operational in Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno States.
It focuses on tracking immunisation budgets, strengthening accountability, and enhancing advocacy to reduce the number of zero-dose children.
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The Kano meeting brought together representatives of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB), academia, the media, civil society organisations, and development partners.
Speaking at the event, AHBN Coordinator Dr Aminu Magashi, represented by Chairman of the AHBN Advisory Board, Hon. Muhammad Usman, said the meeting was convened to review progress and outcomes from ongoing advocacy efforts, while also setting new priorities for the fourth quarter.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among partners, noting that global donors expect stakeholders to work together to deliver impact.
In his goodwill message, Zero dose learning hub monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Officer, AFENET Humphrey Ohuabunwa, urged participants to make meaningful contributions to the validation meeting to achieve the desired objectives.
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Presenting highlights of the 2023–2024 scorecards, CoP Kano team lead Dr Musa Bello reported significant progress in reducing the number of zero-dose children in Kumbotso and Sumaila LGAs through joint efforts by government and partners.
He added that advocacy has increasingly been evidence-driven, using District Immunisation Monitoring (DIM) data and human resources tracking for routine immunisation at PHC facilities.
AHBN tech adviser Comrade Akibu Hamisu Garko disclosed that the CoP had engaged stakeholders, including the Commissioners of Health and Finance, members of the State House of Assembly, and the Director General of the SPHCMB, for the 2025 scorecard process.
He noted that other activities included strengthening partnerships with development partners supporting routine immunisation and engaging the media to raise public awareness.
According to him, follow-up mechanisms such as an action tracking matrix, CoP-led monitoring, scorecard dissemination, and structured feedback sessions are in place to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
In his vote of thanks, CSOs Co-Chair, who doubles as AHBN Consultant, Comrade Salisu Yusuf, highlighted the critical role of legislative oversight and lawmaking in improving immunisation systems.
The meeting also featured goodwill messages from the SPHCMB and other relevant stakeholders, a panel session on media and CSO engagement, and validation discussions on the progress of the ZDLH project in Kano State as well as priorities for Q4 to tackle zero dose cases.