Bauchi Records Zero Immunization Doses in 13 LGAs, Leaving Children Vulnerable

Despite efforts to improve immunisation coverage, thirteen Local Government Areas in Bauchi State have recorded zero doses of vaccination, leaving numerous children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

The disturbing revelation was made by the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, during a recent capacity-building event on immunization budget tracking and accountability on Wednesday.

According to the Chairman of BSPHDB, even out of the remaining seven LGAs, two are porous because they border neighbouring Yobe and Jigawa States.

Expressing his concern, Mohammed said “We don’t know why parents and caregivers refuse to vaccinate their children. And to address this, the Board takes the vaccination to hard-to-reach communities, at naming ceremonies and follows nomads along their routes.”

He, however, explained that zero dose reduction strategies have been put in place to include periodic intensification of routine immunization, in between rounds of activities and market vaccination.

Giving an overview of the immunization financing landscape at the State level, Mohammed said that the State Government remains the main source of funding for health adding that it’s being supported by 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 the World Bank Projects.

Earlier in his remarks, the Africa Health Budget Network Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator, Dr Aminu Magashi said the capacity building is to help the CoP members influence the immunization financing landscape through evidence-based advocacy.