The Boost Project, a global initiative aimed at improving immunization coverage,held an engagement meeting with the Kano State Community of Practice on Immunization, Budget Tracking, Advocacy, Accountability, and Media Group. the meeting focused on strategies to enhance immunization services for zero-dose and under-immunized children in Kano State.
In his remarks The Save the children communication officer Kano ,Umar Ibrahim Umar said many children remain un immunized and under-immunized, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Adding that,the aims of this Boost Project is to address this challenge by improving immunization coverage and strengthening health systems.
Nigeria has a significant number of zero-dose children, with approximately 2.3 million kids lacking basic vaccines.
This is the second-highest number globally, and it’s a major concern. The issue is more prevalent in certain regions, particularly in the Northern Nigeria.
Report show that Kano State has 250,000 zero dose children and over 300,000 un immunized children recorded by UNICEF, which is alarming and can Poses a substantial risk to the health and wellbeing of children .
While making remarks Salisu Yusif chairman Kano State Community of Practice on Immunization, Budget Tracking, Advocacy, Accountability, and Media Group. Said the engagement meeting had several objectives, including.
Discussing strategic for improving immunization coverage for zero-dose and under-immunized children in Kano State.
Strengthen advocacy efforts for immunization and promote policy changes supporting immunization programs.
Enhancing accountability mechanisms for immunization programs in Kano State.
Also to Engage with media stakeholders to promote awareness and coverage of immunization issues.
During her presentation Ms. Taiwo Folake, BOOST Program Manager Lagos state Nigeria, stated that the focus of the project is to reduce the number of zero-dose children as well.
Adding that, the Boost Project targeted two local governments in Kano State,Ungogo and Gezawa. These areas had been identified as having significant numbers of zero-dose and under-immunized children So also in Legos they target Ikorodu and Alimosho Local Government Area were they had significant zero-dose children.
“We’re working with local governments in Kano and Lagos States, specifically in Ungogo and Gezawa here in Kano. We are also implementing the project in Ikorodu and Alimosho in Lagos,” She explained.
“While complete eradication is a long-term goal, this project is about achieving meaningful reductions through collaboration and community-level engagement.
Mrs Folake explained that ,Participants need to understand the challenges facing immunization programs in Kano State.in order to strengthened partnerships between stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and media groups.
The engagement meeting Held in Chilla luxury Hotel in Kano with different stakeholders and media which marked an important step towards improving immunization coverage for zero-dose and under-immunized children in Kano State,to promote the health and well-being of children in the state.