SCI, community leaders strengthen push for improved immunization in Gezawa

Traditional and religious leaders in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State have pledged their support for ongoing efforts aimed at improving routine immunization coverage and reducing the number of zero-dose children across communities.

The commitment was made during a high-level advocacy visit to the District Head of Gezawa by Save the Children International (SCI), through its GSK-funded Improving Immunization in Nigeria (BOOST) Project, in collaboration with the Kano State Community of Practice (KN-CoP).

The advocacy visit forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community ownership of immunization services and support the domestication of a state-specific immunization policy in Kano State.

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Speaking during the engagement, representatives of the BOOST Project, and the BOOST Project Advocacy Officer, Umar Ibrahim emphasized the need for stronger community participation in addressing gaps in routine immunization, particularly among children who have not received any vaccine doses.

They noted that traditional and religious leaders play a critical role in influencing public perception, mobilizing communities, and encouraging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive life-saving vaccines.

The team stressed that improving immunization coverage remains essential to preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, reducing child mortality, and improving overall public health outcomes across the state.

In response, the District Head of Gezawa and other community leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting awareness campaigns and community mobilization efforts aimed at increasing vaccine uptake.

The leaders pledged to continue sensitizing residents on the importance of immunization and to work closely with health authorities, development partners, and community stakeholders to address misconceptions that hinder vaccine acceptance.

They also commended Save the Children International and its partners for supporting initiatives designed to improve child health and strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

The engagement is expected to further enhance collaboration between community leaders, government health agencies, and development partners in advancing routine immunization and ensuring that more children in Kano State are protected against preventable diseases.

The stakeholders reiterated that collective action remains critical to achieving improved immunization coverage and safeguarding the health and future of children across Kano State.