Kano Gov’t Vows to Overcome Challenges of Zero-Dose Children

The Kano State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has commended the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) project for its significant contributions towards reducing the number of zero dose children in the state.

Gwarzo, gave the commendation during an advocacy visit by members of the ZDLH Kano Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization Budget Accountability at his residence.

In a statement by the Deputy governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening routine immunization systems.

The Deputy Governor assured the CoP members that delays in the release of routine immunization funds will be addressed and stressed the importance of working in partnership with civil society and development partners to achieve shared health goals.

Among the Deputy Governor’s team was also Honorable Sa’idu Aminu Ungogo, Chairman Kano State House of Assembly on Appropriation.

The Deputy Governor further reiterated “I very much welcome this interaction with the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) team because it highlights areas where we need to strengthen our efforts and build more emphasis. Our mission and targets are clear: by 31st December 2025, we want to be able to say, with pride, that Kano State is polio-free. To achieve this, we must do whatever it takes to overcome the challenge of zero-dose children. We recognize that our partners and donors have shown remarkable commitment over the years, and they are looking to us for results. We cannot afford to lose this momentum. This is why we must all work together, with renewed dedication, so that by the end of 2025, we can celebrate the realization of this collective goal.”

The delegation, led by Hon. Muhammad Usman, Chairman of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) Advisory Board, briefed the Deputy Governor on ZDLH activities being implemented in Kano and other selected states.

The ZDLH project, implemented by a consortium of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), with funding support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, seeks to improve vaccine uptake and address the challenge of zero dose children.

Another member of the delegation, Dr. Musa Muhammad Bello, AHBN ZDLH Kano State Focal Person, highlighted the group’s advocacy and accountability efforts, including increasing awareness on immunization, promoting timely budget releases, and facilitating Decentralized Immunization Monitoring (DIM) in Kumbotso and Sumaila LGAs.

He also called for sustained government commitment through timely release of routine immunization and counterpart funds, emphasizing that this will enable effective reduction of zero dose children across the state.

He further acknowledged the leadership of the Deputy Governor as Chairman of the Kano State Task Force on Immunization.

During the visit, the delegation also presented to the Deputy Governor the ZDLH 2024 Kano State Immunization Budget Accountability Annual Scorecard, developed by AHBN and AFENET.

The scorecard highlights achievements, gaps, and recommendations, providing a strong evidence base for government, civil society, and partners to track progress and improve routine immunization outcomes.

The visit reflects the shared commitment of the Kano State Government, AHBN, AFENET, and Gavi towards reducing the burden of zero dose children and strengthening immunization systems in Kano State.