Notify Health, a non-profit organisation focused on strengthening healthcare delivery through technology, has pledged to continue working towards improved immunisation outcomes in Kogi State.
The organisation remains dedicated to ensuring that every child receives the life-saving vaccines necessary for a healthy start in life.
At a partners’ forum held on Monday in Lokoja, Dr. Samuel Harvey, co-founder of Notify Health, highlighted the organisation’s innovative use of automated SMS and voice-based reminders to support timely vaccination for newborns. These reminders are aligned with the local routine immunisation schedule and delivered in both English and local languages.
Dr. Harvey emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaborative strategies in bridging healthcare delivery gaps. He revealed that so far, Notify Health has worked with 45 healthcare facilities, trained over 80 health workers, enrolled 2,163 children, and sent more than 30,000 reminders to caregivers.
“Simple reminders when delivered in the right language and at the right time can make a significant difference in ensuring children receive vital vaccines on schedule,” said Dr. Harvey.
The programme, which collaborates with the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF), and local Primary Health Centres, uses existing immunisation registers to enrol children. Notify Health’s system is designed to be culturally and linguistically appropriate, tailoring reminder messages to caregivers’ preferred languages and communication styles.
Dr. Harvey noted that rising phone ownership in Kogi State presents a unique opportunity to expand the reach of digital health tools. With strong support from stakeholders, he expressed confidence that Notify Health can replicate its success from other regions and positively impact immunisation rates in the state.
Speaking at the event, Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, represented by Mr. Ayiedogbo Johnson, Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, praised Notify Health’s efforts. He emphasized the need for innovative and collaborative approaches to address immunisation challenges and reach more children with essential vaccines.
The forum provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening immunisation services and scaling successful models like Notify Health’s to improve child health outcomes across Kogi State.
