Bauchi records zero dose immunisation in 13 LGs

Despite efforts to improve immunisation, 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi have recorded zero doses of vaccination, leaving children unprotected.

The disclosure was made by the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed who is not happy with the development.

Rilwanu Mohammed was speaking at a capacity building for members of the Community of Practice on Immunization Budget Tracking, Accountability, and Sustainability targeting zero dose children organized by Africa Health Budget Network held on Tuesday in Bauchi.

Rilwanu Mohammed said that even out of the remaining Seven LGAs, Two are porous because they are bordering neighbouring Yobe and Jigawa States.

The Executive Chairman further noted that zero dose reduction strategies have been put in place to include periodic intensification of routine immunization, in between rounds of activities and market vaccination.

According to him, “We don’t know why parents and care givers refuse to vaccinate their children. And to address this, the Board takes the vaccination to hard-to-reach communities, at naming ceremonies and follow normads along their routes.”

Giving an overview of the immunization financing landscape at the State level, Rilwanu Mohammed said that the State Government remains the main source of funding for health and is being supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, Bauchi State Health Trust Fund, Bauchi State Contributory Management Agency, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, MOU partners and the World Bank Projects.

He disclosed that, “In 2024, the State allocated N45.1 billion representing 15% to the health sector out of the total state budget of N300.3 billion, while my Board got N11.6billion”.

He added that with the transition of the MOU arrangement from Routine immunization MOU to PHC, Bauchi is now responsible for 100% payment of immunisation activities.

” This money will be used for vaccine delivery, cold chain maintenance, Routine immunization intensification and demand generation among others,” he added.

Africa Health Budget Network Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator, Dr Aminu Magashi said that the organization is a sub-partner to the African Field Epidemiology Network on the Nigeria zero dose learning Hub.

He noted that GAVI established the learning Hub to address issues around immunization equity by identifying zero-dose and under-immunised children using the identity, reach, monitor, measure, and advocate framework.

AHBN has established a community of practice which focuses on budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability.

He stressed, “The capacity building is to help the CoP members influence the immunization financing landscape through evidence-based advocacy.”