The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), in collaboration with the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice (ZDLH CoP), has called for the speedy delivery of immunization consumables in Bauchi State.
The state AHBN Coordinator, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu, made the call at the end of a two-day caregivers’ exit interview conducted in selected Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) facilities in Bauchi and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas.
Shuaibu said the exercise was aimed at assessing caregivers’ satisfaction, evaluating service delivery, identifying gaps affecting zero-dose communities, and generating evidence to improve immunization outcomes.
He noted that despite the state government’s commitment to timely release of immunization funds, several challenges persist.
“Challenges such as shortage of essential immunization consumables, weak logistics, supply chain bottlenecks, and occasional reagent stock-outs still exist, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” he said.
He explained that the interviews were conducted at Kafin Liman and Kafin Madaki Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Ganjuwa LGA, and at Yelwa and Lushi domiciliary PHCs in Bauchi LGA.
Shuaibu said that while the interviews generally showed high caregiver satisfaction, respondents also reported shortages of essential drugs and instances where they had to incur personal costs.
“The recurring unavailability of drugs and the minimal out-of-pocket expenses reported by some caregivers underscore the need for stronger government action,” he added.
He stressed that bridging these gaps requires government intervention, including strengthening the supply chain to ensure uninterrupted availability of immunization consumables.
Shuaibu also said that involving multi-sectoral stakeholders—such as civil society and the media—would enhance transparency in the assessment process and provide the evidence needed for policy improvement.
The Deputy in charge of the Yelwa domiciliary PHC, Mrs. Fatima Umar, commended AHBN for motivating both caregivers and health workers.
She reiterated the call for government support to sustain and enhance immunization service delivery across the state.
