Save the Children with funding from GAVi has unveiled VaxSocail project to combact vaccines hesitancy in Kano .
Funded by GAVI, the Vaxsocial project is a targeted initiative to combat vaccine hesitancy and increase immunisation uptake across six Local Government Areas in the state.
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The VaxSocial project aims to improve immunisation coverage among children, adolescent girls, and women at risk of cervical cancer.
A key focus of the campaign is reaching “zero-dose” children, those who have never received any vaccines, as well as those who started but did not complete their immunisation schedules.
Speaking at the event, the Project Manager of VaxSocial, Dr Felicia Mairiga emphasised the urgency of the intervention.
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“Currently, data shows that over 36 million children in Nigeria have not received any vaccination, leaving them exposed to preventable diseases.
This is unacceptable,” she stated. “Vaccination is a proven, life-saving intervention that gives children a healthy start in life.”
Dr. Mariga further explained that Kano’s pilot phase will cover six LGAs: Ungoggo, Gezawa, Kumbotso, Dala, Nassarawa, and Kano Municipal, and will run from June to November 2025.
“The project, which began in Lagos in June 2024, seeks to address deeply rooted issues such as religious and cultural resistance, as well as online misinformation”
“Social media will be a critical part of our strategy,” she noted. “We must confront misinformation directly and disseminate accurate, culturally sensitive information that resonates with our communities.”
The Co-Chair of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) community of practice CoP Comrade Salisu Yusuf highlighted the importance of collaboration and accountability.
“This initiative is about more than vaccines, it’s about strengthening systems,” he said.
“Even though the project officially covers six LGAs, our CSO network is active across all 44 LGAs in Kano, and we’re committed to raising awareness statewide.”
He stressed the need for cooperation between Primary Health Care Centres, the Ministry of Health, the media, and community stakeholders to ensure the campaign’s success.
The workshop brought together members of the Community of Practice (CoP), advocacy groups, media practitioners, and health experts.
The objectives of the Vaxsocial project include sensitising advocacy groups on the health aimmunisationion scorecard;
Reviewing and validating draft indicators;
Agreeing on a unified scorecard design;
Officially presenting the VaxSocial Project to stakeholders.
The event marked a significant step in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases in Kano and is expected to serve as a model for further scale-up across northern Nigeria.