On the 20th August 2020, the Kano PAS Coalition organized a webinar on assessing routine immunization funding, service uptake and coverage to brainstorm on the adequacy of RI funding in Kano State. The webinar was aimed at providing feedback on RI uptake and coverage in Kano State, and to share experiences of select LGAs on RI performance in Kano State.

Dr. Tijjani Hussain, the Executive secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, SPHCMB, gave the opening remark. He stated that one of the strongest pillars of the board is providing RI services in Kano State. Since its inception in 2012, the board has been ensuring quality delivery of immunization services with the aid of development partners. He affirmed that Kano State Government funding for RI activities was 100 percent.

While responding to questions on RI coverage, the Program Manager of SERICC explained that Kano had 83% RI coverage as at July 2020 compared to 63% in May 2020. He reiterated that the Center is working to ensure 85% coverage is achieved. On the issue of funding gaps for immunization programs, Kano State Government provided 100% funding for RI activities. Despite adequate funding by the State Government, the immunization program still needs more funding for new interventions.

The PM also explained that SERICC activities are very important in improving RI coverage; the Center serves as the EOC for immunization and has access to data at the facility level using SMS and DHIS2 platforms. Kano State was applauded for attaining at least 80% in all the 8 RI indicators by NPHCDA.

The DHIS2 Focal Person of the SPHCMB explained that LGAs are categorized into low and best performing health facilities. The criterion for categorizing the facilities was based on access and utilization of RI services in health facilities. Health workers from both low and high performing health facilities were given a chance to share experiences, issue areas and recommendations with participants during the webinar.

The challenges identified in low performing health facilities include;

• Faulty SDD in Yar Akwa Health Facility that has resulted in vaccines being collected from Local Government cold store for over 3 years

• Dilapidated health facility in Makoda, that has affected turnout of caregivers to the facility

• Family issues in Lengel Health Facility which lead to rejection of RI

The RI focal person from the best performing facilities explained that sensitization activities during ANC sessions, working with Traditional, Religious Leaders and other community volunteers were the reasons for their successes. At the end of the discussions, a mitigation plan was agreed upon by the low performing facilities to improve their performances. It was suggested that health workers should work with Traditional Leaders and other community volunteers (TBAs, and town announcers) to sensitize communities and help in defaulter tracking particularly during ANC services, and improve timeliness of immunization services.

OUTCOMES

• SPHCMB intervened in Lengel HF, Tofa LGA issue where the community rejected RI due to a problem with the Family Planning Program

• Follow up visits will be made to low performing facilities to assess the impact of the intervention

• Some key LGA team members should be included in any RI related activities for faster response to issues regarding their LGAs

• Feedbacks should be provided to Traditional Leaders on RI activities, so as to inform them of the effects of their efforts and the gaps they need to bridge.

• SPHCMB should strengthen supportive supervision particularly to the low performing communities/health facilities.

• All AEFI cases in the community should be investigated to understand the cause of rejection of RI in Tofa LGA.