Children At Risk As Bauchi Reports Zero Immunization Coverage In 13 Local Government Areas

Children At Risk As Bauchi Reports Zero Immunization Coverage In 13 Local Government Areas

Despite concerted efforts to enhance immunization coverage, thirteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State have reported zero doses of vaccination, leaving numerous children vulnerable to preventable diseases. The concerning disclosure was made by Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BSPHDB), during a recent capacity-building event focused on immunization budget tracking and accountability……… CONTINUE READING

Dr. Mohammed highlighted that, of the remaining seven LGAs, two are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to neighbouring Yobe and Jigawa States. Expressing his dismay, he stated, “We are puzzled by the reluctance of parents and caregivers to vaccinate their children. To address this issue, the Board has adopted proactive measures, including taking vaccination services to hard-to-reach communities, integrating them into naming ceremonies, and tracking nomads along their routes.”

To mitigate the issue of zero immunization coverage, strategies such as intensified routine immunization between scheduled activities and market vaccinations have been implemented. Dr. Mohammed also provided an overview of the state’s immunization financing landscape, emphasizing the government’s primary funding role, supported by entities such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, Bauchi State Health Trust Fund, Bauchi State Contributory Management Agency, and contributions from philanthropic organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation, as well as partnerships with MOUs and World Bank initiatives.

Dr. Aminu Magashi, CEO of the Africa Health Budget Network, underscored the importance of the capacity-building initiative, aimed at empowering Community of Practice (CoP) members to advocate for evidence-based approaches to influence immunization financing policies.