Mohammed Salisu
The United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF says nearly 250,000 children in Kano have never received any routine immunization vaccine, making Kano home to the highest number of zero-dose children in Nigeria.
The UNICEF Kano chief of field office, Mr Rahma Rihood Mohammed, made the indication during a workshop for chairmen and district heads across the 44 LGAs in the state.
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According to him, the number of reported poliovirus cases in Kano increased from 6 in 2022 to 27 in 2023 and 29 in 2024.
He described vaccination as the most effective way to protect children from diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria.
Farah emphasized on the critical need for collective action to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
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“With the support of government, local leaders, and traditional institutions, Kano can overcome these challenges and build a healthier, stronger community”
While urging the chairmen and traditional leaders to ensure immunization Task Forces in their areas are constituted, well-funded and functional, Farah however called for a full support by also getting involved to improve the situation, noting that vaccines are safe, effective and essential for the health of a child.
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In his remarks, the Kano state commissioner of Health, Dr Labaran Yusuf, reiterated the commitment of the state government to enhancing healthcare delivery in the state.
He said the present government has turned around the fortunes of healthcare delivery compared to how it met it and Is committed to vaccination, polio eradication and crashing maternal mortality shortly in the state.
Earlier, the director-general of the state primary healthcare management board, Dr Nasir Mohammad Mahmud noted that the workshop aims tTo update stakeholders on the health indices, immunization, polio eradication and zero doses in the state.
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“how to overcome it, acquaint them of their various roles and responsibilities to that effect and secure their commitment”
The workshop tagged interactive meeting with local government chairmen in sustaining the gains of polio, routine immunization and other PHC services in Kano state was organized by Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board KSPHCMB in collaboration with UNICEF.