The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has revealed that Sokoto State ranks among those with the highest number of zero-dose children in the country.
AHBN’s State Focal Person, Umar Garba, made the announcement during the Zero-Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) Community of Practice (CoP) Quarterly Review Meeting held in Sokoto on Thursday.
Garba has advocated Sokoto State stakeholders’ full engagement in immunisation budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability.
“Of the 23 local government areas in Sokoto State, 13 have recorded zero-dose cases. This situation is alarming,” he said.
He said that the AHBN was particularly targeting zero-dose children and missed communities across the state.
Garba stated that the meeting aimed to review the work done since the Capacity Building initiative was launched in July.
“The Annual Work Plan, which was developed in July, is being assessed to highlight key achievements, challenges, and progress made so far.
“The plan will be adjusted to reflect the current situation and evolving needs, ensuring that upcoming actions are aligned with the goal of equitable and sustainable vaccination,” he added.
Garba also emphasised that the discussions would focus on addressing challenges encountered since the launch and identifying ways to improve ongoing efforts.
Dr Nuraddeen Aliyu of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), who led the state team, outlined some of the challenges the CoP faced in reaching target audiences.
“However, we remain committed to engaging all necessary stakeholders to achieve a 100 percent release of the immunization budget.
“This will help us ensure that our target communities are reached, and the success of our engagement is realised,” Aliyu explained.
The District Head of Gagi, Sokoto South LGA, Sani Umar, expressed appreciation to the donor partners supporting the state.
NAN
