CurrentReport Blog Despite concerted efforts to bolster immunisation coverage, a disturbing revelation has come to light: thirteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State have recorded zero doses of vaccination. This alarming situation has left countless children vulnerable to preventable diseases, posing a significant public health risk.
The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BSPHDB), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, disclosed this during a recent capacity-building event focused on immunization budget tracking and accountability held on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Mohammed, the immunisation landscape in Bauchi State is further complicated by the porous nature of two additional LGAs, which share borders with neighboring Yobe and Jigawa States. This geographical challenge exacerbates the difficulties in achieving comprehensive vaccination coverage.
Expressing his deep concern, Dr. Mohammed stated, “We don’t know why parents and caregivers refuse to vaccinate their children. To address this, the Board has implemented strategies to reach hard-to-reach communities, such as conducting vaccinations at naming ceremonies and following nomadic routes.”
In an effort to combat the zero-dose crisis, the BSPHDB has initiated several zero-dose reduction strategies. These include periodic intensification of routine immunization, special vaccination activities between regular rounds, and targeted market vaccinations. These measures aim to close the immunisation gaps and ensure that no child is left unprotected.
Highlighting the financial landscape of immunization efforts in Bauchi State, Dr. Mohammed emphasized that the State Government remains the primary source of funding for health initiatives. This funding is supplemented by contributions from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, Bauchi State Health Trust Fund, Bauchi State Contributory Management Agency, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, MOU partners, and various World Bank Projects.
Dr. Aminu Magashi, Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network, also spoke at the event. He emphasized the importance of capacity building in empowering the Community of Practice (CoP) members to influence the immunization financing landscape through evidence-based advocacy.
