Stakeholders in Bauchi have raised significant concerns regarding the high number of children not receiving any doses of vaccines in 13 Local Government Areas and communities within the state.
Their apprehensions were voiced during a workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of members of the Community of Practice on immunization budget monitoring, accountability, and sustainability specifically focused on children who have not received any vaccinations. The Africa Health Budget Network organized the workshop in Bauchi.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, expressed deep regret that despite the presence of free vaccines, 13 LGAs have reported that a considerable number of children have not received any doses.
These LGAs include Alkaleri, Bauchi, Ganjuwa, Darazo, Gamawa, Itas Gadau, Katagum, Misau, Toro, Ningi, Shira, and Zaki.
”Even out of the remaining seven LGAs, two are porous because they are bordering neighbouring Yobe and Jigawa,” he said.
The chairman also announced that strategies to reduce zero-dose numbers have been implemented, including boosting routine immunization efforts, conducting additional activities between rounds, and offering vaccinations at markets.
He elaborated, “We don’t know why parents and caregivers refuse to vaccinate their children. And to address this, the Board takes the vaccination to hard-to-reach communities, at naming ceremonies and they follow nomads along their routes.”
Mohammed provided an overview of the immunization funding situation in the state, stating that the state government is the primary funder of healthcare, with additional support from various partners, including the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, Bauchi State Health Trust Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and the World Bank.
He noted that with the shift from the MOU arrangement to the Primary Healthcare (PHC) model, Bauchi state is now responsible for covering the full cost of immunization activities.
Mohammed highlighted, ” In 2024, the state allocated N45.1 billion representing 15 per cent to the health sector out of the total state budget of N300.3 billion, while my Board got N11.6 billion.
” This money will be used for vaccine delivery, cold chain maintenance, routine immunization intensification and demand generation among others,” Mohammed.”
Dr. Aminu Magashi, CEO and Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network, explained that his organization is a sub-partner of the African Field Epidemiology Network, working on the Nigeria Zero Dose Learning Hub.
He stated that GAVI established the Hub to address immunization inequities by identifying unvaccinated and under-immunized children using a specific framework.
Additionally, AHBN has established a community of practice focused on tracking budgets, promoting accountability, and ensuring sustainability in healthcare.
He mentioned , “The capacity building is to help the CoP members influence the immunization financing landscape through evidence-based advocacy.”
The Community of Practice (CoP) comprises a diverse range of stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, government officials, academics, media representatives, civil society organizations, social media influencers, and other relevant individuals.
