Kano sets fresh immunisation targets, prioritises zero-dose LGAs

The Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB), in collaboration with Save the Children International through the BOOST project funded by GSK and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), has concluded a two-day workshop to develop the state’s draft 2027 Routine Immunisation (RI) Work Plan, with a renewed focus on reaching zero-dose and under-immunised children.

The workshop, held in Kano, brought together government officials, thematic leads, implementing partners and technical experts to review the implementation of the 2026 RI work plan and identify priorities and gaps that should shape the state’s immunisation strategy for 2027.

During the workshop, stakeholders reviewed available evidence, assessed programme performance and refined proposed interventions through thematic group sessions and plenary discussions.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Tijjani Habibu, urged the various thematic groups to critically assess their 2026 plans and ensure that the 2027 work plan was developed based on findings from the Situation Analysis (SITAN).

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The thematic groups subsequently presented their proposed activities for review, allowing participants to provide technical observations and recommendations aimed at improving the alignment of interventions with identified needs.

The discussions identified several challenges requiring attention, including partner coordination, programme management, supply chain performance, supportive supervision, governance, financial accountability and data quality management.

Participants stressed the need to establish stronger links between planned activities, available evidence, micro-plan data, measurable targets, ownership and accountability mechanisms.

The Director-General of the KSPHCMB, Prof. Salisu Ahmed Ibrahim, charged the thematic groups and Routine Immunisation partners to change the narrative in 2027 by addressing persistent factors responsible for low immunisation coverage across the state.

Ibrahim placed particular emphasis on zero-dose LGAs, urging stakeholders to develop targeted interventions capable of reaching children who have never received routine vaccines or remain under-immunised.

He also called for stronger coordination and accountability among government agencies and development partners to ensure that interventions translate into improved immunisation outcomes.

The workshop concluded with thematic groups directed to complete outstanding adjustments to the draft plan, including activity alignment, costing, budgeting, ownership and partner contributions.

Participants agreed that the final 2027 RI Work Plan should be evidence-driven, assign clear responsibilities to relevant actors, establish measurable outputs and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts to improve Routine Immunisation delivery and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines across Kano State, particularly in communities with large numbers of zero-dose and under-immunised children.

Meanwhile, the BOOST Project, implemented by Save the Children International with funding support from GSK, is supporting efforts to reduce the number of zero-dose and under-immunised children across Kano through targeted immunisation interventions, community engagement and advocacy.

Stakeholders at the workshop reaffirmed their commitment to closing existing immunisation gaps and ensuring that every eligible child in Kano State has access to essential vaccines.