Dr. Shamsuddeen Yahaya, Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Primary Health Care Development Agency, shares how the All Babies program is transforming immunization in Katsina, reducing zero-dose cases, and bringing stakeholders together to build healthier futures for children.

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What is the purpose of this meeting with PHC Directors, and what outcomes do you expect?

Dr. Yahaya: This quarterly review brings together Directors from all 27 LGAs where the New Incentives - All Babies Are Equal program operates. Our objective is to evaluate progress, identify challenges, and agree on corrective actions to further improve routine immunization. While the program has achieved notable success over the years, these meetings allow us to address gaps and strengthen collaboration between all stakeholders.

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What has stood out for you the most in today’s meeting?

Dr. Yahaya: What stood out for me is the high level of engagement and cooperation from participants. Despite extended discussions lasting beyond 2 p.m., participants remained attentive and eager to learn from one another. LGAs [that] perform well provide valuable lessons for others, fostering collective improvement across the state.

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‍What measurable impact has the All Babies program had in Katsina so far?

Dr. Yahaya: Since its introduction in 2017–2018, the [All Babies] program has helped double routine immunization coverage in Katsina, as confirmed by national health surveys. This achievement reflects not only the cash incentives for caregivers but also the capacity building of our staff, improved vaccine logistics, and the reduction of zero-dose children.

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Each fully immunized child represents meaningful progress in protecting against preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough, which strengthens public health outcomes for our communities.

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What advice would you give to parents still hesitant about vaccinating their children?

Dr. Yahaya: Vaccine hesitancy persists in some communities, which is why we engage religious and community leaders as advocates. Their involvement reassures families, as they will not support any harmful initiative.

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Vaccines are safe and effective. Personally, I ensure all my children are fully immunized. Northern Nigeria continues to experience higher rates of child and maternal mortality than the South, largely due to low vaccine uptake. Recent diphtheria outbreaks, where over 80% of affected children were unvaccinated, underscore the urgent need for all parents to ensure their children receive full routine immunization.

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What message would you like to share with New Incentives and the PHC Directors present today?

Dr. Yahaya: I encourage New Incentives to maintain close collaboration with clinic staff and the primary health care department while ensuring government leadership remains central, as this is ultimately our responsibility.

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I also urge PHC Directors to uphold accountability. During this meeting, we identified persistent data reporting errors in one LGA. The officer responsible must correct these immediately, and, if necessary, adjustments will be made to ensure capable personnel handle such tasks.

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Achieving our shared goal—stronger immunization coverage and healthier communities—requires diligence and cooperation from all partners.