By Kalmana Afsa
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN) in consortium with African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is implementing the Zero Dose Learning Hub in Bauchi State in addition to Sokoto, Borno, and Kano States.
The Zero Dose Learning Hub community of practice is a multi-stakeholder body comprising of Academics, Professional Bodies, Civil Society Organizations, Youth Groups, representatives of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and traditional leaders coming together to review Immunization Financing landscape in Bauchi State.
During its fourth Quarter review meeting held in Bauchi on Friday, the group developed immunization financing scorecard to review budget allocation and release per quarter and to track Immunization budget implementation in the State in 2025 to ensure that all Children in the state are fully Immunized
Before now, the CoP played a prominent role in terms of advocacy to critical stakeholders in the state which resulted I the allocation of N872 Million to fund Immunization activities in the State.
The Chairman of the CoP who doubles as the Director, Disease Control and Immunization of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Adamu Mohammed, Co-Chairman from CSO, Mr Jinjiri Garba remarked that when the Scorecard is utilized properly, it will put all stakeholders on deck to achieve more sustainable accountability and track real time progress quarterly in 2025 with a view to supporting zero dose LGAs and underserved communities and ultimately Universal Immunization coverage in the State.
Bauchi State Focal Person for African Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr Hassan Shuaibu Musa appreciated the Coordinator/CEO of AHBN and members of the CoP in Bauchi State for their commitment that made the review meeting a success, during the meeting Six months work plan was also developed.
Dr Hassan charged members of the CoP especially Directors of PHCs and the LGA Teams from the Zero Dose LGAs to be steadfast in engaging their respective LGA Chairpersons and other colleagues at the LGA so that immunization related challenges can be identified and resolved early enough.