By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
A Gavi Vaccine Alliance funded 2 – day workshop implemented by Connected Development and facilitated by Sokoto Tracking and Accountability For Equitable Immunisation( S-Trace), Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development and 7-CBOs has identified Nigeria as country with world’s highest zero -dose vaccination burden, resolving to strengthen plans to achieve 80 % reduction target on 468,504 U-5 children between July 2026 and December 2027 across 7 LGAs of Sokoto state ranking Wamakko and Tambuwal local governments at highest level.
Accordingly, S-Trace( Sokoto Tracking Accountability for Equitable Immunisation) noted that the state has the highest burden in the country with 76.5% U-5 children not receiving routine immunisation across 13 LGAs with 585,635.
However, highlighting further on the objectives of the S-Trace “State Inception and Launch Workshop” declared opened on Monday, it’s Anchor and Lead facilitator, Mr Mukhtar Modibbo said the project which focuses on educational, gender ,health and other human social related issues has its presence spread across Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal , Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Malawi to impact it’s agenda on humanity for development.
He said the project was intended to bridge the barriers of hard reach areas, widespread hesitancy , weak demand among critical others that made it difficult to drive it’s mission for sustainability.
” We are working in active synergy with government and other primary stakeholders in line with a realistic framework and plan that projects basic components.
” These components are : community group identification, demand generation, advocacy and financing , service delivery , health system strengthening and learning and evidence to successfully achieve the desired results “, Modibbo said.
In his presentation, Programs Manager of Connected Development ( CODE) , Mr. Abdul’azeez Abdul’azeez , noted that Nigeria carried the world’s largest zero-dose burden and Sokoto as epicentre
According to him, vaccination remains one of if not , the most cost effective health interventions that needed to be embraced and positively driven to success.
Abdul’azeez explained that the project was in line with the Gabi’s 2026 strategy and Immunisation agenda 2030 which S-Trace sought to identify, reach and sustainably reduce zero – dose and under immunised children population in Sokoto state.
” We want to drive the project in resolving household non compliance through community and traditional leaders engagement , strengthen government system for sustainability, CODE, Sultan Foundation and the 7-Dub grantee CBOs to meet our target of 80% zero -dose children in Sokoto state”, he stated.
Earlier in her remarks, the acting CEO of Connected Development(CODE) , Hyeladzira James Mshelia said the S-Trace step was an initiative that would project and unveil key fundamentals that would improve and sustain the drive for changing the narratives in zero-dose burden for sustainable development of especially the child within the health circle
According to Mshelia, ” we need to collectively work as a team to fart track the realisation of the objectives of the mission as both facilitating and implementing partners as well major stakeholders”, noting that it was a responsive strategy planned to cause positive change in the lives of children and improving on health drive for humanity.
In their respective remarks as agency and development partners, Mr Tukur Garba of SPHCDA and Mr. Ojei Ifeanyi representing UNICEF Sokoto C-Field Officer, Mr Micheal Juma, said the initiative was a significant milestone in improving vaccination base oon Children in the state.
” We need to reach them. They have the right to live, thrive and survive through efficient and effective means.”
Also, Dr Nuruddeen Aliyu of AFEN called for active and efficient participation of primary stakeholders through exchange of ideas and contributions that support S-Trace mission for maximum results .
In his remarks, Dr Aminu Inuwa of the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development noted that the consortium collaboration with NGOs , CBOs and relevant bodies to address zero-dose burden in Sokoto state underscored the commitment of the state government and SPHCDA.
He said the initiative to drive the S-Trace trajectory project with resourceful capacity, would change the narrative if effectively monitored.
” It’s a big work but if every stakeholder will key in with commitment at all levels especially community and local government , the objectives will be realised”, he said.
