Kano Stakeholders Push for Stronger Financing to Tackle Zero-Dose Children

1 week ago

0 794 1 minute read

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media representatives, and government agencies in Kano State have renewed calls for improved health and immunization financing to tackle the growing challenge of zero-dose and under-immunized children.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday, convened under the BOOST Project (Better Opportunity for Optimal Service and Targeted Immunization for Zero Dose and Under-immunized Children). The initiative is being implemented by Save the Children International with funding support from GSK.

The meeting, which brought together representatives from the State Primary Health Care Management Board, the Ministry of Planning and Budget, the Kano State Advocacy Group, and the media, focused on strategies to strengthen accountability and expand vaccine coverage.

Co-Chair of the CSOs, Salisu Yusuf, said the session was aimed at keeping partners aligned with the project’s objectives. He urged stakeholders to remain committed to the BOOST work plan, noting that consistent effort was crucial to improving accountability and coverage across the state.

Also speaking, Umar Ibrahim, Advocacy Officer for the BOOST Project, explained that the engagement reviewed and validated health and immunization budget tracking data for 2024 and the first half of 2025. He said the process helped to measure progress, highlight challenges, and develop recommendations for policy advocacy.

At the meeting, participants recommended increased budgetary allocation for routine immunization services and stronger monitoring of funds. They also called on stakeholders to regularly track validated data to ensure efficient use of resources at the community level.

The session reaffirmed continued support for Gezawa and Ungoggo Local Government Areas, which are among those covered under the BOOST Project.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that with stronger financing and accountability, Kano State could significantly reduce the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children, giving more children the chance to grow up healthy and protected.