The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has said the state government is intensifying efforts to reach zero-dose children as part of activities marking the 2026 Africa Vaccination Week (AVW).
Speaking during a press briefing at the Kano Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Tuesday, the commissioner said the state is prioritising children aged zero to 23 months who have not received routine immunisation.
According to him, the 2026 Africa Vaccination Week with the theme: “For every generation, vaccines work,” underscores the need to strengthen immunisation coverage across all age groups while building public trust in vaccines.
“We are focusing on reaching zero-dose children through accelerated catch-up initiatives and strengthening routine immunisation to build a resilient health system,” he said.
Yusuf noted that Kano is not only participating in the regional campaign led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), but is also taking proactive steps to lead with “purpose, precision and strong community partnership.”
He disclosed that the state government has introduced an integrated healthcare service package across health facilities to enhance service delivery during the vaccination week.
The package, he said, includes deworming, family planning services, antenatal care, nutrition screening, diarrhoea and malaria treatment, HIV counselling, as well as breastfeeding support.
“We are breaking the silos of care to serve the whole person and ensure no child is left behind,” he added.
The commissioner also announced the flag-off of a statewide rally and health walk to commemorate the event, with participation from traditional and religious leaders as well as polio survivors to boost awareness and community mobilisation.
He further revealed that a dedicated data management reporting tool has been deployed across all 44 local government areas to ensure real-time tracking of vaccination activities.
“We will track every dose given, every child reached and every service delivered, because what is not measured cannot be improved,” Yusuf said.
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He commended development partners, including GAVI, WHO and UNICEF, for their continued support, while noting that the state government has matched external assistance with strong political will and domestic resources.
Yusuf called on local government chairmen, health workers and community mobilisers to ensure effective implementation of the programme, stressing that improved immunisation coverage and accurate data reporting remain key targets.
He also urged the media and community leaders to support advocacy efforts aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance.
“Our deliverables are clear—improved immunisation coverage, integrated service delivery, and strong community engagement that ensures every child counts,” he stated.
