FIC Report (Kaduna State) – The Kaduna State Government received a high-powered delegation of global health and development partners on a joint visit aimed at deepening collaboration in immunization, health systems strengthening, and health investments.
The delegation, led by Jessica Crawford, Senior Country Manager (Nigeria) at the Gavi Secretariat, included representatives from the Gavi Alliance, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other development partners.
Speaking during the visit, Crawford announced Gavi’s commitment of 3 million US dollars to Kaduna State over the next two years.
She commended the state government for its strong political will, robust health sector leadership, and effective implementation of vaccination programmes, including the recent introduction of the HPV vaccine to protect citizens, especially women and girls.
The kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr Hadeeza Balarabe received the delegation on behalf of Governor Uba Sani describing the visit as a reaffirmation of a shared commitment to safeguard the health, dignity, and future of the state’s most vulnerable citizens—particularly children and women.
Dr Balarabe highlighted the positive impact of ongoing partnerships, citing progress in expanding immunization coverage, strengthening cold-chain infrastructure, training and deploying frontline health workers, and improving health data systems.
She said the impact of our collaboration is visible: more children are protected, more mothers are informed and empowered, and more communities are embracing health-seeking behaviours.
Sabuwa adding that Kaduna’s primary health care system is becoming more resilient due to sustained investments by the Uba Sani administration.
Balarabe also acknowledged persisting challenges such as reaching children in security-challenged areas and tackling vaccine hesitancy.
She expressed confidence that partnerships with development agencies would provide the innovation, technical capacity, and community engagement needed to address these issues.
The visit will feature in-depth discussions with the state health team to review progress, identify gaps, and accelerate interventions—particularly in reducing the number of zero-dose children in hard-to-reach communities.
Signed:
Muhammad Gwani
CIO FIRC Kaduna.
