Sokoto State has intensified efforts to eliminate zero-dose children, as the number of health facilities benefiting from government-backed interventions rises to 384, reflecting what officials and experts described as strong health sector performance in 2025.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Sifawa, said the state recorded significant progress last year due to the commitment of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, the Commissioner for Health, and other key stakeholders.
Dr. Sifawa noted that integrated health campaigns, expanded immunization activities, and targeted interventions across 23 local government areas contributed to reducing the number of zero-dose children in the state.
According to him, the state government released about ₦365 million in 2025 under the Basic Health Care Contributory Fund (BHCCF), which was disbursed during the first and second quarters to 244 health facilities across Sokoto State.
He explained that each facility received funds to implement approved work plans, including the procurement of essential drugs, minor repairs, and the purchase of basic equipment aimed at improving service delivery at the grassroots level.
The Acting Executive Secretary further disclosed that 140 additional health facilities have been added to the programme, bringing the total number of eligible facilities to 384, all of which are expected to benefit from subsequent disbursements.
He added that Sokoto State has received approval to transition into the BHCPF 2.0 phase in 2026 and is awaiting the release of funds to commence third and fourth quarter disbursements.
On immunization, Dr. Sifawa urged caregivers across the state to ensure that children are fully vaccinated, stressing that vaccines are free, safe, and available in all health facilities, including primary healthcare centres.
He noted that full immunization remains critical to protecting children from preventable killer diseases and ensuring that no child is left behind.
Meanwhile, the founder of Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr. Aminu Magashi, called on the state government to sustain and scale up funding for immunisation to consolidate the gains recorded in 2025.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting involving the media, non-governmental organizations, key government officials, and members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Dr. Magashi commended the government for releasing over ₦300 million for immunization funding in 2025, while stressing the need for effective utilization of the funds.
He also urged the State House of Assembly to strengthen its oversight role to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper tracking of immunization spending.
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Magashi appealed to the state government to increase immunization funding to over ₦500 million, particularly to improve coverage in high-density communities and local government areas with zero-dose children.
He further urged local government chairmen to work closely with primary healthcare departments and relevant national agencies to strengthen routine immunization at both facility and community levels.
According to him, councilors and community leaders should also assist in tracking defaulters and ensuring they are returned to the immunization system, as part of efforts to drastically reduce the number of unvaccinated children in the state.
