By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
The Kano Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Tuesday, handed over 4, 371 boxes of vaccine carriers, icepacks and other immunization items to the Kano state government as part of its effort to ensure effective immunization exercises across the state.
Among to items donated by UNICEF include 39 Cold boxes, 1,,420 vaccine carriers, 1,208 Icepacks of 0.6 size, and 1,704 Icepacks of 0.3 size.
In his remarks, while donating the items at Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano, Mr Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, said the items will help to preserve and transport vaccines for immunization programmes across the 44 Local Government Area of the state.
He regretted that Kano ranks the highest number of unimmunized children in the country, but expressed hope the UNICEF collaborative efforts with the kano state government will yield positive results.
Rahama said: “These equipment are very critical because they ensure that vaccines are maintained at the optimal temperature and conditions while being administered to children.
” The effective use of these cold chain equipment will contribute to the reduction of unimmunized or zero dose children; improve children immunity and herd immunity; and reduce vaccine-preventable child deaths.
” The cold chain equipment would further bridge the gap experienced by the health facility staff in the logistics of vaccine distribution.” According to him, UNICEF is committed to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare system and reducing child mortality by ensuring access to essential vaccines and healthcare services. As part of this commitment, and as the world leader in the provision of vaccines, strengthening of cold chain and improving the vaccine logistics system.
Rahama said the equipment will be managed by the Kano State Primary Health Management Board, adding that the Fast Cold Chain equipment would be distributed to all the health facilities in all 484 Wards in the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
He further stated that UNICEF has in the past supported the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board with walk-in cold rooms, vaccines, and Solar Direct Drive (SDD), which is powered directly by solar.
“As part of its continuing support to the Kano State Government, UNICEF has delivered a total of 3,905,100 doses of vaccines to Kano State for the upcoming Supplemental Immunization Plus Days Campaign which will be implemented from 28th September to 1st October for all the children aged under 5 years in Kano state.
“This equipment donation is part of UNICEF’s continued commitment to supporting child health initiatives and boosting the state’s immunization coverage. These essential tools will enable the safe storage and effective distribution of vaccines, ensuring that children in even the most remote areas of the state are protected against preventable diseases.
” Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions, and with this donation, we hope to bridge gaps in access and ensure that every child in Kano State has the opportunity to be vaccinated against life-threatening diseases.
” UNICEF urges all parents and caregivers to bring their children to be vaccinated against Polio. The vaccine is available, effective, and free!” he stated.
The State Immunization Officer (SIO), Hajiya Sa’adatu Ibrahim who received the item on behalf of the state government, commended UNICEF for the kind gesture and promised that the items would be immediately distributed for effective use.