IWD: Immunization is a Right, Not a Choice – Kano CoP Warns
The Kano State Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization Budget Tracking and Accountability has called on mothers and caregivers to ensure their children receive immunizations.
The appeal comes as part of International Women’s Day 2025, themed “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
The CoP, comprising civil society organizations and government officials under the AFENET/AHBN Zero-Dose Learning Hub project, raised concerns over Kano’s low immunization coverage.
The 2023-24 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) reports that only 35.8% of children in the state have received basic vaccines.
“The alarming number of zero-dose children in Kano is a public health crisis that demands immediate intervention. Every child deserves protection, and we call on mothers to prioritize immunization as a fundamental right of their children,” the CoP stated.
Kano State accounts for 15 of the 100 local government areas (LGAs) with the highest number of zero-dose children in Nigeria. The 2023 diphtheria outbreak, which resulted in numerous deaths, underscored the dangers of low vaccination rates.
Studies by AFENET, McKinsey, dRPC, and Save the Children have identified barriers to immunization, including misinformation, religious and cultural beliefs, fear of vaccine side effects, financial constraints, and poor health-seeking behavior.
The CoP also pointed to inadequate budget allocations and delayed fund releases as ongoing obstacles.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we must recognize that empowering women also means ensuring their children’s health. Immunization is one of the most effective ways to protect children from deadly diseases,” the coalition emphasized.
The CoP urged the Kano State government and development partners to increase investment in immunization, strengthen funding mechanisms, and improve accountability in the health sector.
They called on mothers and caregivers to visit health facilities, outreach centers, or immunization campaigns to ensure their children receive necessary vaccines.
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and the Nigerian government, is implementing the Zero-Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) project in Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, and Borno States to address immunization gaps.
“No child should suffer from preventable diseases. Immunization is not just a health intervention; it is an investment in the future of our communities,” the CoP stated.
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