UNICEF Distributes 163 Motorcycles to Health Workers in Nigeria’s Katsina State to Boost Routine Immunization
In a significant move to strengthen routine immunization against child killer diseases, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has distributed 163 motorcycles to health workers in Nigeria’s Katsina State. The motorcycles, worth millions of naira, will enable health workers to effectively reach remote areas and deliver life-saving vaccines to children.
The motorcycles were launched at the Coordination Centre for Routine Immunisation, an incinerator, and distribution of motorcycles in Katsina. Rahama Mohammed-Farah, UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, said the motorcycles were part of a three-year initiative funded by GAVI, aimed at strengthening routine immunization and Primary Health Care systems.
"The partnership among the state government, Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF and GAVI is to reduce morbidity and mortality, especially among children," Mohammed-Farah said.
Katsina is one of eight beneficiary states in the initiative, along with Bayelsa, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara. Mohammed-Farah expressed optimism that the interventions would reduce the number of unimmunized children in the state’s eight zero-dose local government areas.
He listed the local government areas as Batagarawa, Baure, Funtua, Kankara, Katsina, Mani, Rimi, and Safana, where polio vaccine campaigns are ongoing. He urged parents and caregivers to present their children for vaccination and urged the state government to address human resource gaps by employing qualified health workers.
Governor Dikko Radda, speaking at the event, stressed that vaccination is a fundamental right of every child, and it is the state government’s duty to ensure that no child is left behind. He emphasized the importance of the initiative in creating a healthier and brighter future for children and the state.
Dr. Shamsudeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, praised the initiative but highlighted some challenges facing primary healthcare service delivery in the state, including inadequate financing, manpower, and insecurity. He urged the state government to implement an automatic replacement policy for health workers and review casual workers’ salaries.
The distribution of motorcycles to health workers is a major boost to the state’s healthcare system, enabling workers to reach remote areas and deliver vaccines to children in need.
