Kano Moves to Institutionalise Child Survival Programme

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The Kano State Government has intensified efforts to institutionalise the SARMAAN child survival programme by strengthening government ownership and integrating its activities into the state’s health planning framework.

This followed advocacy engagements by the SARMAAN Advocacy Project Team with senior officials of the Kano State Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and People with Disabilities.

A key outcome of the meetings was the advancement of discussions on incorporating SARMAAN activities into the Kano State Annual Operational Plan (AOP), a move aimed at making child survival interventions a permanent component of government planning, financing and implementation.

The advocacy team also acknowledged the state’s contributions to the programme, including support for the last-mile distribution of azithromycin commodities, warehousing, coordination and logistics, describing the investments as critical to ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Director of Public Health also requested the preparation of a comprehensive state profile documenting partner investments and government contributions to provide evidence for increased domestic financing, improved planning and long-term institutionalisation of the programme.

Discussions with the Ministry of Women Affairs highlighted the programme’s broader social impact, noting that women account for about 70 per cent of community drug distributors. The initiative was described as improving child survival while creating opportunities for women’s participation in community health delivery and economic empowerment.

The Ministry further called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, stressing that protecting children’s lives requires coordinated action across sectors.

The advocacy team said sustained political commitment, institutional partnerships and government leadership remain essential to ensuring child survival remains a lasting priority in Kano State and Nigeria.