Kebbi Launches K-TRACE Project to Reduce Zero-Dose Children

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By Sulaiman Ibrahim 

 

The Kebbi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the Centre for Health Economics and Development, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and other development partners, has organised a two-day stakeholders’ capacity-building workshop on the Kebbi Tracking for Accountability and Equitable Immunization Project, (K-TRACE).

 

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Noma, said the state has made significant efforts to close immunisation gaps and reduce the number of unimmunised children.

 

He acknowledged the efforts of Local Government Areas but noted that many settlements are yet to be adequately covered, stressing the need to ensure that every child receives routine immunisation.

 

Alhaji Noma called on stakeholders to develop workable plans in collaboration with traditional rulers and other community leaders to reach underserved communities and reduce the number of zero-dose children.

 

He expressed concern over the high number of children who reach the age of one year without receiving any routine immunisation, particularly in seven priority Local Government Areas.

 

Also speaking, the Project Manager of K-TRACE, Dr. Oluwole Smile, said the capacity-building workshop was aimed at bringing stakeholders together to develop a common understanding of tracking, the use of evidence and accountability at the community level.

 

Dr. Smile said vaccines are often available at health facilities, but some communities still fail to access immunisation services, stressing that greater community involvement would help identify and reach zero-dose children and protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases and deaths.

 

In his remarks, the District Head of Ushe, Muhammad Karma, said insecurity, difficult terrain and economic challenges were among the factors responsible for some children missing routine immunisation.

 

The traditional ruler described the workshop as an important opportunity for community leaders to acquire relevant information and return to their communities to create greater awareness about the dangers of children missing essential vaccines.