By Ahmed Kaigama
The Bauchi State Government has Inaugurated Community of Practice (CoP) on immunization budget tracking. accountability, and sustainability to curb the number of zero dose children in the State.
The CoP was formed by Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) which is implementing Nigeria Zero Dose Learning Hub Project (ZD in consortium with African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET)
The lead partner, to support in setting up and coordinating a zero-dose (ZD) learning hub in Nigeria and provide systematic and robust monitoring and learning for the identify-reach-monitor-measure- advocate (IRMMA) interventions
By working in conjunction with the government, local academic institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), the Zero-Dose Immunization programs (ZIP) partners.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board while speaking during inauguration on Friday in Bauchi, appreciated the Consortium for the gesture of curbing the zero dose menace in the state.
“We welcome Community of Practice which will support us with evidence and advocacy to continue to strengthen collaboration with our immunization partners and state-level CSOs
“To improve immunization coverage as well as ensure every child in Bauchi state is fully immunized, thereby, reducing Zero Dose children” he said.
The Government Core-Chair of the CoP Dr Adamu Mohammed urged members of the CoP to remain committed and resolute to achieve the desired goal.
He said the programme would certainly enhance and improve the immunization coverage in the state.
On his part, The Civil Society organizations CSOs Core Chair,of the CoP, Mallam Jinjiri Garba who is the State Chairman, Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organizations (BASNEC). encourage government to always ensure the timely release of agreed funds signed in the MoU to promote budget performance
“That will positively impact zero-dose children and call on the stakeholders in the Community of Practice (CoP) to promote budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability.
Earlier, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, the AHBN Bauchi State Focal Person during his overview presentation said that the
Implementation of the Community of Practice will support the state government and its immunization partners
To continuously analyze and track immunization budgets based on agreed indicators in line with the state-level accountability framework and the state-level MoU targets.
The Community of Practice will also review challenges and proffer key recommendations that will support accountability and transparency amongst state-level partners and continuously engage and promote coordination amongst state-level partners
“Aimed at promoting the sustainability of immunization finances. It will also document lessons learned periodically and disseminate through multiple platforms at state, national, regional, and global levels. This will be through publications, newspaper stories, PowerPoint presentations at strategic meetings, etc,” he said
Dr Shuaibu also explain that the CoP will then use the evidence gathered above to continuously engage in targeted advocacy to policymakers, political actors, development partners, and community gatekeepers, aimed at influencing positive actions for sustainable immunization finances,
The CoP members are critical stakeholders, Government officials, CSOs,People with Disability group, Academia, Experts and the Media.