KANO – A Non-Governmental Organisation, Technical Advice Connect (TAConnect), funded by the Pfizer Foundation, has vaccinated over 11,000 children under the age of two against childhood killer diseases in Kano State over the past year.
The organisation’s Technical Director, Dr. Layi Jaiyeola, revealed this during the end-of-project dissemination meeting held in collaboration with the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board (KSPHCMB).
Dr. Jaiyeola said the initiative, part of an accelerated vaccination uptake project, was carried out in 15 local government areas of the state, with a focus on 10 LGAs classified as having high numbers of zero-dose children—those who have never received any vaccines.
He noted that the project targeted improved immunisation coverage through outreach efforts in areas such as Wudil, Dawakin Kudu, Tofa, Garun Malam, Kiru, Bebeji, Tudun Wada, Tarauni, Nassarawa, and Kumbotso.
“Out of the 11,348 children reached, 5,239 were males and 6,109 were females,” he said. “We focused on the uptake of pentavalent, rotavirus, and measles vaccines among children under one year.”
Jaiyeola said the project adopted a human-centred design approach, working closely with communities to overcome cultural and religious barriers to vaccination.
“This intervention aimed at reaching zero-dose children by tailoring strategies based on community needs,” he added.
He also noted that the programme extended beyond childhood vaccination to include maternal care. Over 5,900 women were educated on key health issues, while about 2,500 women were referred to health facilities for birth spacing, nutrition, and hygiene services.
Jaiyeola stated that the project outcome shows that the burden of zero-dose children can be reduced, and reaffirmed TAConnect’s readiness to continue supporting the state’s healthcare initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Nasiru Mahmud, Director General of the KSPHCMB—represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Jazuli Jafar—commended TAConnect’s efforts. He expressed the board’s interest in further collaborations to strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
Also speaking, the board’s Director of Disease Control, Dr. Sharrif Yahaya, noted that the state government has established a dedicated budget line to support routine immunisation as part of its ongoing commitment to child health.
