By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gavi, the vaccine alliance have handed over 28 Primary Health Care (PHC) solar system to the Kano State Government.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at Panshekara Primary healthcare in kumbotso Local government area the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf commended the duo organisations for the intervention.
The commissioner said this intervention came at the right time which Kano state leading the highest state with zero Dose in the country.
“UNICEF, in collaboration with Gavi, has supported the solarization of PHC facilities under the CDS3 Health System Strengthening initiative, focusing on Nigeria’s 100 zero-dose LGAs where large numbers of children remain unvaccinated and deprived of other health services,” Dr. Labaran stated.
The commissioner further said in 2023, UNICEF supported a comprehensive PHC functionality and energy needs assessment, which led to the selection of 371 facilities for solarization. The current installation phase, in partnership with eHealth Systems Africa, saw 28 PHCs in Kano fully equipped with solar power.
The commissioner further said, the selection process prioritized PHCs in zero-dose LGAs, excluded those covered by other projects such as CRIBS and IMPACT, and focused on facilities without reliable electricity.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf warned all staff and any individuals to avoid the personal use of the system which mainly for the facilities.
Speaking earlier, Dr Michael Banda from UNICEF field office Kano said this is the partnership with a common goal of ensuring that every zero Dose children are reached, to ensure that routine immunization goes 100 percent and to ensure that maternal mortality is reduced.
“Through this partnership this objectives will be made. This facility go along way to ensure that every is reaching the essential healthcare services,” Dr Banda said.
Dr. Machel Banda pointed out that, this is electricity green energy generated in a more sustainable way, adding that it not only supporting immunization but it will support maternity ward and all other health facilities.
In her speech, the Gavi Senior Country Manager Jessica Crawford said the investment was part of a collective effort to strengthen Kano’s healthcare system and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
She emphasised that Kano is strategic, hence the need to support the state to curb zero dose among children.
Jessica Crawford pointed out that GAVI will expend about five million dollars in Kano in the next two years to support policies and programs in line with that of the federal government to achieve the desired objectives.
“GAVI stands with you to strengthen your health system to ensure Kano children receive vaccine”. Jessica Crawford pointed.
Later in the day, the team paid a advocacy visit to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Sani Wali In their Discussions they focused on the state’s commitment in the improving immunization coverage, sustaining infrastructure investments, and strengthening primary health care systems.
