By Yakubu Salisu
The Kano state government and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has received 28 PHC Solarization facilities under the CDS3 Health System Strengthening initiative.
The handover on Monday in Kano, focuses on Nigeria’s 100 zero-dose Local Government Areas where significant number of children remained unvaccinated and deprived form other primary health care services.
According to Mr.Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office Kano represented by Michael Banda, Officer-in-Charge, UNICEF Field Office Kano, the move became necessary after a comprehensive PHC functionality assessment was conducted with the support of UNICEF to identify the PHC functionality and the energy needs of these facilities in 2023.
“From our assessment, 371 health centers were selected for solarization. Installation of solar systems began in 2024-25, in partnership with eHealth Systems Africa.
28 PHCs in Kano state have been selected for solarization through these efforts. Each selected site was actively providing routine immunization services, with a preference for Level-2 Primary Health Care centers. We gave special attention to facilities having minimal human resources, aiming to strengthen capacity where it was most urgently needed” he stated.
Banda further stated that the initiative is way more than infrastructure but a deliberate move to towards proper vaccine refrigeration.
“Through this initiative, we have enabled proper vaccine refrigeration, round-the-clock primary health services, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. It’s a step forward in building a more sustainable and equitable health system for all”, he added.
Also, the Senior Country Manager – Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Jessica Crawford, stated that their aim is to reach all children in Nigeria with life saving vaccines, to increase vaccine coverage, equity and to reduce the number of zero dose children.
“This work is of paramount importance here in Kano state where approximately 2/3 of children do not receive their full course of vaccines.
Today marks an important milestone in our journey to reach children in Kano State, not only with these life saving vaccines, but also to build on national and state investments in strengthening primary health care overall”.
Crawford, further added that Gavi, through its health systems and immunisation strengthening programme is supporting solar electrification of health facilities across Nigeria through its partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria and Alliance Partners.
“The initiative is designed to enhance functionality of vaccine cold chains, power essential medical equipment and improve maternal and primary health services.
We expect the investment to result in improved service delivery, workforce stability, enhance sustainability and ultimately result in more lives saved”.
The Kano state Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf described the initiative as transformational investments.
He applauded the development partners for their commitment towards supporting the Kano state government in providing qualitative healthcare delivery system while assuring them of the government’s readiness to exploit the full potentials of the facilities for a better and stronger PHCs in the state.
Furthermore, the Director General, Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Prof Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad also commend both UNICEF and the GAVI Vaccine Alliance for their tremendous support to the state primary healthcare sector.
He added that governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to providing qualitative healthcare services to the teaming populace of Kano and especially, children and women and no doubt, “this initiative will further curb infants mortalities. A well vaccinated child, is a healthy child with brighter future”, Ahmad said.
The team visited the state Governor, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf at the government house shortly after the handover where they were received by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Dr. Suleiman Wali Sani.