By AHMED KAIGAMA

Stakeholders in Bauchi have expressed significant concerns over zero dose immunisation for children in 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and communities in the state.

They expressed worry at a capacity building workshop for the members of the Community of Practice (CoP) on immunisation budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability targeting zero dose children organised by the Africa Health Budget Network in Bauchi.

Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, noted that in spite of the availability of vaccines which are administered free of charge, 13 LGAs have recorded zero dose.

These LGAs, he said, are Alkaleri, Bauchi, Ganjuwa, Darazo, Gamawa, Itas Gadau, Katagum, Misau, Toro, Ningi, Shira and Zaki.

“Even out of the remaining 7 LGAs, 2 are porous because they are bordering neighbouring Yobe and Jigawa,” he said.

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.

“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 nomads along their routes.”

Giving an overview of the immunisation financing landscape at the state level, Mohammed said that the state government remained the main source of funding for health.

He added that the government 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 said: “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 N11.6billion”.

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.

On his part, the Africa Health Budget Network Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator, Dr Aminu Magashi, said that the organisation 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.”

The CoP members include health experts, relevant government officials, Academia, Media, Civil Society Organisations, Social Media handlers, among others (NAN)