Kano State Government has launched the third round of the Safe Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin in Children in Nigeria (SARMAAN II) project, targeting more than 2.95 million children under the age of five across 36 local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Kano State Commissioner for Health, Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, said the intervention underscores the state’s commitment to improving child health, strengthening the primary healthcare system, and protecting vulnerable populations.
He described the exercise as more than a routine public health campaign, saying it represents a renewed commitment by the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf to safeguard the lives of children and build a healthier future for the state.
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According to the commissioner, the government remains committed to investing in maternal and child health, strengthening primary healthcare services, and advancing universal health coverage.
He noted that while significant progress has been made in reducing childhood illnesses, preventable diseases continue to threaten the lives of many children, making sustained, evidence-based interventions essential.
Yusuf explained that the SARMAAN II project is a collaborative initiative involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Sightsavers, SOLINA, HANDS, and other development partners.
He said the programme goes beyond administering Azithromycin to eligible children aged between one and 59 months, adding that it also seeks to generate scientific evidence on antimicrobial resistance to inform future national and global health policies.
The commissioner disclosed that Kano was selected once again for the intervention, reflecting confidence in the state’s healthcare system and the government’s commitment to delivering impactful public health programmes.
He said the third round will target approximately 2,955,042 eligible children, supported by the distribution of about 736,731 bottles of Azithromycin.
To ensure effective implementation, more than 12,000 health personnel have been deployed for service delivery, while 51 supervisors will oversee the exercise across 28,498 settlements in 396 wards covering the 36 participating local government areas.
Yusuf called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government authorities, Ward Development Committees, community volunteers, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to mobilise communities and encourage parents to present their eligible children for the exercise.
He assured parents and caregivers that the medicine is safe, quality-assured, administered by trained health workers, and will be provided free of charge.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to reducing preventable child deaths, the commissioner said the state envisions a future where every child has access to quality healthcare and no child dies from preventable causes.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NIMR, Sightsavers, SOLINA, HANDS, and other implementing partners for their technical and financial support.
Yusuf expressed confidence that the third round of the SARMAAN II project would achieve its objectives, protect millions of children, and further strengthen Kano State’s position as a leader in innovative public health interventions.
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