Solar systems have been installed in 28 primary healthcare centres in Kano State in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Gates Foundation, the World Health Organisation (WHO), GAVI and the Vaccine Alliance.
The eight-kilowatt solar system is expected to power each PHC (including Jogana, Rabiu Musa, Gezawa, Daurawa, Kundila, and Nafisatu Mammud PHCs, among others), serving the laboratory, maternity ward, cold chain, and outpatient wards.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the PHC Panshekara on Monday, GAVI senior country manager Jessica Crawford said the initiative was crucial for improving vaccine coverage, reducing zero-dose rates, and strengthening primary healthcare in the state.
According to her, a significant portion of children in Kano State is under-immunised, with about 2/3 not receiving their full course of vaccines.
She explained that the solar electrification project aims to enhance vaccine cold chain functionality, power essential medical equipment, and improve maternal and primary health care services in the state and Nigeria.
While noting that Gavi’s investments focused on cold chain infrastructure, demand generation, and vaccine procurement, she stressed that sustainability and protection are key to maximising their impact on the community.
Crawford, who also visited the state governor, Abba Yusuf, at the government house, revealed GAVI’s plan to spend about five million dollars in the next two years to support health policies and programs in the state.
In his remarks, the chief of UNICEF Kano field office, Rahama Farah, who the Officer represented in charge of the office, Micheal Banda, highlighted that out of the 371 health centers identified, the 28 selected were prioritised based on the high number of zero-dose children, unreliable electricity access, and minimal human resources, among other factors.
He said that by providing reliable electricity, vaccines would be refrigerated appropriately, and round-the-clock primary health services would be achieved, with reduced dependence on fossil fuels for a more sustainable and equitable health system.
In his remarks, the state commissioner for health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality.
He said the solarised system will help eliminate zero-dose children.
While warning the in-charge against misuse of the facilities, he thanked Gavi and other partners for their support and assured them of proper utilisation.
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