By Ahmed Ahmed
Bauchi State has made remarkable progress in immunization coverage with the collaborative efforts of The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and the African Health Budget Network (AHBN) have provided significant support to the state’s immunization program.
The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BOSPHDB) Dr Rilwanu Mohammed stated this during advocacy led by Coordinator/CEO of African Health Budget Network (AHBN) Dr Aminu Magashi Garba on Tuesday in Bauchi
Dr Magashi, who is also Co-Chairmen of the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice, AHBN Bauchi State Focal Person Dr Hassan Shuaibu and CoP members on Monday visited some selected Primary Healthcare Centers in Bauchi.
He said the state has recorded a substantial increase in immunization uptake, with 66.5% BCG, 52.1% Hepatitis B, 63.1% DPT1, 60.0% DPT2, and 58.2% DPT3 coverage,
“Making it the second state to achieve this feat nationally in penta 3 uptake,” he said.
According to him, Dr. Magashi and his team have been instrumental in advocating for budget increases and conducting facility routine immunization budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability supportive supervision.
“The Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice (CoP) has played a crucial role in promoting immunization awareness and increasing vaccine acceptance among underserved communities.
“The significant increase in immunization coverage is a testament to the state’s commitment to improving public health. With continued support from partners and stakeholders,” he said.
He stressed that the State is poised to maintain its momentum and achieve even greater success in immunization coverage.
Earlier, Dr Aminu Magashi said he led the team to discuss ongoing AHBN support in consortium with AFENET in supporting underserved and missed settlements to access life-saving immunization thereby reducing zero dose in the State.
Dr Magashi said they specifically engage the members of the Academic Team of the CoP to review the submitted research concept note on immunization budget allocation, tracking, accountability and sustainability.
“The meeting aimed to increase access to life-saving immunization and reduce the number of zero-dose children in the state,” he said.