By Lizzy Carr
The Zero Dose Learning Hub has come up with an immunization budget accountability scorecard that will be used to track immunization budget, accountability and Sustainability at the national national level.
The scorecard according to Bauchi State focal person of African Health Budget Network (AHBN) Dr Hassan Shuaibu will serve as a vital tool for tracking the State government and partners financial commitments to financial and other support.
The scorecard was presented for validation during breaking of fast organized by AHBN for members of the Bauchi State zero dose learning hub community of practice at Bagari hotel Bauchi.
Dr Hassan said the 2024 scorecard is hoped to enhance transparency, strengthen immunization systems and drive sustainable progress in reducing zero dose children in the state.
” The scorecard is designed to measure and track progress and performance aimed at increasing routine immunization coverage to zero dose children”.
The document also provides actionable insights for improved decision making with recommendations for advocacy for the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice.
The scorecard recommends for the implementation of targeted interventions to increase penta 1 and penta 3 coverage in Basic Health Care Provision Fund implementing facilities, and to address the dropout rate between penta 1and 3 vaccines .
“State level CSOs are encouraged to engage government, routine immunization partners and local government chairmen to improve immunization coverage and ensure all zero dose children are reached.
Speaking at the Iftar Executive Chairman Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board Dr Rilwanu Mohammed noted that apart from the exit of USAID funding the current local government autonomy is another challenge in addressing the issue of zero dose at the PHCs
“I assure you that by the end of March 2025 the approved 872 million naira immunization funds by government will be released”.
Permanent secretary Bauchi State Ministry of Budget Economic Planning and multi lateral Coordination Mohammed Jibrin appreciated the contribution of African Health Budget Network in supporting the State to address the issue of zero dose .
The campaign for immunization financing was extended to the Emir of Bauchi Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu where the chairman of African Health Budget Network Mohammed Usman said they were at the palace to solicit his support to engage on high level follow up advocacy to government for the improved immunization financing.
“The traditional institution is key to mobilizing the community and also advocate to government on immunization activities,that’s why we are here to seek your support and fatherly advice”.
The Emir gave the visiting team his word to support the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice achieve their aims.
The African Health Budget Network in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network with support from GAVI is implementing the Zero Dose Learning Hub in Bauchi, Borno, Kano and Bauchi States to address zero dose immunization gaps.
