By Khadija Aliyu
In its efforts to address the challenges of Zero-Dose in Kano, the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) and African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) paid an advocacy visit to the Commissioner of Kano State Ministry of Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf.
The objective of the visit is to discuss how to tackle the zero-dose challenge in the state.
Zero-dose children are those who have not received their first dose of Pena 1 vaccine, making them vulnerable to preventable diseases.
During the visit, the AHBN Coordinator who doubles as the Team Lead, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba urged the state government to inaugurate the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Committee to address health challenges.
He commended the commissioner’s efforts in strengthening coordination, transparency and accountability among departments and agencies of the ministry.
“ to address the burden of Zero-Dose Children and the integration of NGOs in various Technical Working Groups (TWGs) of the ministry”
In his remarks, the AFENET Team Lead, Dr. Partick, congratulated Kano State for accenting the law that established the Kano Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC),saying that it will go a long way in mitigating disease outbreak and the burden of Zero-Dose Children.
Dr. Patrick further advocated for the establishment of a Revolving Outbreak Response Fund under the KNCDC for maximum impact.
In his remarks ,Dr Labaran welcomed the team and thanked the AHBN and AFENET consortium for implementing the Zero Dose Learning Hub project in Kano.
The Commissioner also assured the team that the state government will continue to work with partners for the improvement of health services.
He further reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackle the Zero-Dose challenge at 100 per cent.
Radio Nigeria reports that, the Zero Dose Learning Hub project is being implemented in Bauchi, Borno, Kano and Sokoto States by AHBN and AFENET to address the burden of Zero Dose Children with funding from Gavi.
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