31/07/2026
Protecting every child begins with strong partnerships, community trust, and accountability. Traditional institutions, local governments, and frontline health workers all play a vital role in ensuring that no child is left behind.
As part of the Sokoto Tracking and Accountability for Equitable Immunization (S-TRACE) Project, Connected Development (CODE), in collaboration with the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA), the Sultan Foundation, and the Sustainable Impacts for Community Advancement and Humanitarian Initiative (SICAHI), engaged the Yabo Local Government Executive, the District Head of Yabo (Sarkin Kabin Yabo), and other key stakeholders to strengthen support for the identification and immunization of zero-dose children.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of government officials, traditional leaders, and development partners to tackle vaccine hesitancy, strengthen community participation, and improve routine immunization coverage across Yabo Local Government Area.
The team also visited selected Routine Immunization (RI) Centres, where health workers identified cultural beliefs, misconceptions about vaccines, and concerns over post-vaccination pain as key barriers to immunization. They emphasized the need for intensified community sensitization and sustained awareness campaigns to increase vaccine acceptance and ensure that every eligible child is reached with life-saving vaccines.
The engagement and facility visits were attended by the Vice Chairman of Yabo Local Government Area, Hon. Alhaji Usman Na'Allah, representing the Executive Chairman; the District Head of Yabo (Sarkin Kabin Yabo), Alhaji Muhammadu Sani Bello Yabo; the Director of Advocacy, SSPHCDA, Alhaji Dahiru Kamaru; the representative of Connected Development (CODE), Mr. Mukhtar Halilu Modibbo; the representative of the Sultan Foundation, Malam Usman K. Ahmad; and the SICAHI Zero-Dose Project Team, comprising Dr. Kasimu Abubakar Shagari, Aminu Hussaini, and Sa'adatu Umar.
Ending the zero-dose challenge requires collaboration, community ownership, and sustained action. Together, we can ensure that every child receives life-saving vaccines and has the opportunity to grow into a healthier future.
