By Lizzy Carr
The Zero Dose Learning Hub has introduced an immunization budget accountability scorecard aimed at tracking financial commitments, accountability, and sustainability for immunization at the national level.
The Bauchi State focal person for the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr. Hassan Shuaibu explained that the scorecard would serve as a critical tool for monitoring the financial commitments of the state government and its partners.
The scorecard was presented for validation during an Iftar event organized by AHBN for members of the Bauchi State Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice at Bagari Hotel in Bauchi.
Dr. Shuaibu noted that the 2024 scorecard is expected to enhance transparency, strengthen immunization systems, and drive sustainable progress in reducing the number of zero-dose children in the state.
“The scorecard is designed to measure and track progress and performance aimed at increasing routine immunization coverage, particularly among zero-dose children,” he said.
The document provides actionable insights for improved decision-making, along with recommendations for advocacy efforts by the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice.
The scorecard calls for targeted interventions to increase coverage of the Penta 1 and Penta 3 vaccines in Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) facilities, as well as addressing the dropout rate between Penta 1 and Penta 3 doses.
“State-level CSOs are encouraged to engage with the government, routine immunization partners, and local government chairmen to improve immunization coverage and ensure that all zero-dose children are reached,” Dr. Shuaibu added.
During the Iftar, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed acknowledged the challenges posed by the exit of USAID funding and the current local government autonomy in addressing the zero-dose issue at primary health centers (PHCs).
“I assure you that by the end of March 2025, the government-approved 872 million Naira for immunization funds will be released,” he promised.
The Permanent Secretary of the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, Mohammed Jibrin praised the contribution of the African Health Budget Network in helping the state tackle the issue of zero-dose children.
Immunization financing advocacy was also extended to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Adamu. The Chairman of the African Health Budget Network, Mohammed Usman, shared that they sought the Emir’s support for high-level advocacy to the government for better immunization financing.
“The traditional institution plays a vital role in mobilizing the community and advocating to the government on immunization efforts. That is why we are here to seek your support and fatherly advice,” said Usman.
The Emir pledged his support, promising to assist the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice in achieving their goals.
The African Health Budget Network, in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network and supported by GAVI, is implementing the Zero Dose Learning Hub initiative in Bauchi, Borno, Kano, and Bauchi States to address the gaps in immunization for zero-dose children.
