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In May 2025, the All Babies program reached its 5 millionth infant. The same month, we facilitated a meeting with the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), the Directors of Primary Health Care for all implementing local government areas (LGAs), and implementing partners. The goal was to improve routine immunization coverage, ensure consistent vaccine availability and distribution, and address non-compliance across the state. To understand the program’s growing impact, we spoke with Dr. Bilyaminu Yari Sifawa, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the SPHCDA. In this interview, he shared insights on how All Babies is boosting vaccine uptake, strengthening outreach, and supporting community health systems in Sokoto.

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What would you say about the achievements of the All Babies program since it began operations in Sokoto?

Dr. Yari: Honestly, the entry of New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal into Sokoto has been impactful. I would describe them as silent achievers. They began with a few Local Government Areas (LGAs) and gradually expanded, and now, almost everyone in Sokoto knows who they are. They’re present in all local governments, reaching even hard-to-reach communities.

Their involvement in outreach, advocacy, and sensitization has led to increased routine immunization coverage. They also support transportation and recently introduced a small cash incentive for mothers who complete their child’s full immunization schedule. This has improved data quality and vaccine acceptance, especially in previously underserved “zero-dose” LGAs.

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‍What was the purpose of the recent meeting with PHC Directors, and what outcomes were expected?

Dr. Yari: The meeting brought together Directors of Health from LGAs where New Incentives operates. Our goal was to review progress, discuss challenges, and identify solutions to strengthen performance.

These directors will return to their LGAs and brief their teams on key findings. The idea is to ensure they take actionable steps to address any gaps. At the state level, we’ll also act on identified issues to avoid repeat problems and improve overall service delivery. It was a timely and necessary meeting.

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What stood out to you during this meeting?‍

First, I was impressed by the full attendance; every invited Director showed up, and we had strong representation from the state level as well as our partners.

But most exciting was the progress shown by some LGAs that had previously underperformed. With support and guidance, they’ve taken the right steps, and we’re already seeing the results. This gives me hope. I also suggested that New Incentives consider including Local Immunization Officers (LIOs) in future meetings, not just the Directors.

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What is your message to leaders and parents regarding the importance of immunization?

Dr. Yari: As parents and leaders, we are all guardians. Part of our responsibility is ensuring the health and future of our children, and routine immunization plays a critical role in that.

These vaccines are free and safe. From birth, a child should receive BCG, Oral Polio Vaccine, and Hepatitis B. If mild fever or discomfort occurs after a vaccine, especially after Pentavalent, it’s manageable. Health workers always give instructions for care.

But the real danger lies in missing these vaccines. When outbreaks happen, unvaccinated children are the most vulnerable. That’s why we say “prevention is better than cure.” Whether you live in the city or a rural area, the vaccines are the same and equally effective. They’re available even in remote health centers.

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As Dr. Yari explains, the All Babies program is more than just an incentive-based intervention; it’s helping to rebuild trust in routine immunization, improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas, and drive real change at the community level. With continued support from traditional, religious, and community leaders, Sokoto State is taking important steps toward protecting every child from vaccine-preventable diseases. And the All Babies program is happy to keep partnering with them to reach and protect the babies in their communities, one infant and caregiver at a time.