Despite efforts to improve immunisation, 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi have recorded zero doses of vaccination, leaving children unprotected. The disclosure was made by the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed who is not happy with the development.
Rilwanu Mohammed was speaking at a capacity building for members of the Community of Practice on Immunization Budget Tracking, Accountability, and Sustainability targeting zero dose children organized by Africa Health Budget Network held on Tuesday in Bauchi.
Rilwanu Mohammed said that even out of the remaining Seven LGAs, Two are porous because they are bordering neighbouring Yobe and Jigawa States. The Executive Chairman further noted 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.
According to him, “We don’t know why parents and care givers refuse to vaccinate their children. And to address this, the Board takes the vaccination to hard-to-reach communities, at naming ceremonies and follow normads.
Giving an overview of the immunization financing landscape at the State level, Rilwanu Mohammed said that the State Government remains the main source of funding for health and is 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.
Source: tribuneonlineng
