WGirl-WChild: Civil societies demand accountability, better implementation of immunisation policies

In line with the theme of the 2018 International Day of the Gild Child – “ With Her: A Skilled GirlForce,” members of the different organizations agreed on a key message: immunization must be one of the priority investments in girls.

The working world today is changing rapidly, it is important to educate and professionalize girls to help them position themselves. Therefore, we need to make sure that girls, and all children in general, are up to date in their immunization schedule, because immunization has a positive impact on girls’ productivity», says Gavi Council member Clarisse Loe Loumou, representative of CSOs within GAVI.

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On this day, efforts has been made to bring together and unite partners and all stakeholders around girls’ rights advocacy, and awareness of the most pressing challenges and needs they face in acquiring the skills necessary to find a qualified job.

Taking advantage of each of the key dates of the campaign which are the International Day of the Girl Child, World Polio Day and World Pneumonia Day, Civil Society Organizations will meet with policymakers to demand accountability on their commitments made with the Addis Ababa Declaration on Vaccination and the Global Vaccine Action Plan.

According to Salisu Musa Muhammad, Director of Operations and Finance at Concern Health and Research Initiative, it must be acknowledged that efforts have been made by African leaders, but much remains to be done to achieve the goals. “At the 2017 edition, we obtained a 15% allocation from Bauchi State’s health budget, and a commitment from  the state Governor to do more than that, but also to maintain this budget for 2018.  However, that’s not enough, there are so many other challenges to power up immunization in Nigeria, “he recalls.

As a result of the advocacy activities of 14 CSOs from 10 African countries, budgets dedicated to the child and maternal health in Ghana increased. To build on the 2017 “33 Days to Power Up Immunization” campaign success, it is our aim to continue to hold governments accountable to their multiple immunization commitments.

Throughout the 2nd edition of the campaign, we will track the vaccines, finances and legislation. These are three approaches which will help us stay the course for universal access to immunization.