Writing By Khadijah Aliyu , Editing By Godwin Duru
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gavi, the vaccine alliance have handed over twenty eight primary health care (PHC) solar system to the Kano State Government.
Speaking during the official handover to the state government and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, pointed out that the facilities would help address the challenge of zero-dose children and pregnant women who lack access to routine immunization and basic healthcare services.
“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.
He noted that Kano tops the list in Nigeria for zero-dose cases, stressing that the solarized facilities will play a crucial role in eliminating the problem.
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.
According to him, 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.
“Priority was given to Level-2 PHCs already providing routine immunization, as well as those with minimal staffing to strengthen their capacity”
He warned against converting them for personal use or other negative purposes.
Gavi Senior Country Manager Jessica Crawford hinted that 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.
She stressed 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.
Jessica urged the government to invest more in health to sustain the transformation on health and immunization to promote improved visibility and mutual accountability.
“GAVI stands with you to strengthen your health system to ensure Kano children receive vaccine”.
The Chief of Field Office UNICEF Kano Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, represented by the Officer-in-Charge Michael Banda described the initiative as a step toward building a sustainable and equitable healthcare system for all.
He maintained that reliable electricity enables proper vaccine refrigeration, round-the-clock services, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
Radio Nigeria reports that the handing over was attended by the handing over was attended by the DG SPHCMB Professor Salisu Ibrahim, Representatives of WHO, GATES foundation among others.
COV/Khadijah Aliyu
