Emirs of Tsafe, ‘Yandoto pledge support for MDC to implement Z-TRACE Project

From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

The Tsafe Local Government Council, in collaboration with the Tsafe and ‘Yandoto Emirate Councils of Zamfara State, has pledged full support for the Millennium Development Centre (MDC) and the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development (SFPD) to locate under-immunized and zero-dose children across the area for routine immunization.

The assurance was given during the launch of the Zamfara Zero-Dose and Under-Immunized Children Track and Re-engage (Z-TRACE) project in Tsafe.

Representing both emirates, Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Aliyu affirmed the traditional leadership’s commitment to sensitizing parents and resolving cases of immunization non-compliance.

Aliyu disclosed that all district heads within the emirates have been instructed to enforce community compliance, while Chief Imams have been called upon to support the initiative.

“I am conveying a royal message to all our esteemed religious leaders, who are closest to the people, to propagate the targeted goals of the MDC and SFPD in their Friday sermons to ensure easy tracking of zero-dose and under-immunized children,” Aliyu said.

Speaking at the launch of the Z-TRACE centers, Executive Director of the MDC, Dr. Ahmad Hashim, expressed gratitude to the local leadership for understanding the project’s strategies and goals.

Dr. Hashim commended the district heads, the local government health team, and community leaders for renewing their commitment to the initiative.

He also expressed appreciation to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the SFPD for funding the project, while praising the Zamfara State Government and Tsafe Local Government Council for providing an enabling environment.

“I call on traditional and religious leaders to continue working hand-in-hand with MDC to effectively reduce the burden of zero-dose and under-immunized children in the LGA,” Dr. Hashim urged.

Reaffirming the local administration’s backing, the Director of Health for Tsafe LGA, Sulaiman Musa—who represented the council chairman—stated that the local government stands firm in ensuring the complete success of the project.