Kano State Partners with FG, Gates, and Dangote Foundations to Combat Polio and Maternal Mortality
By Ahmed Mohammad Kano
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Federal Government, Gates Foundation, and Aliko Dangote Foundation to eradicate circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus and reduce maternal mortality in the state.
The governor emphasized the importance of collaboration in improving the health population of Kano, particularly in areas such as immunization, healthcare worker capacity building, and supply chain management.
He noted that despite successes recorded, challenges persist in the healthcare system, including polio and maternal and newborn mortality.
To address these challenges, Governor Yusuf vowed to restore counterparts’ funding on routine immunization, covering the zero dose inherited from the previous government, and sustain investment in the Primary Health Care system.
The Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, commended the state government’s investment in health and expressed readiness to collaborate with development agencies to eradicate poliovirus in Kano State.
However, he noted that the resurgence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus and fake fingermarking of children during immunization campaigns threaten the success recorded in the last decade.
The Federal Government has committed to supporting Kano with vaccine supplies, emergency transportation, and free treatment of emergency cases for pregnant mothers.
The Gates Foundation has also reaffirmed its commitment to helping Kano State eradicate polio virus and strengthen routine immunization, having signed an MoU with the state government in 2012.
