Thirteen Local Government Areas in Bauchi State Record Zero Vaccination Doses, Leaving Children Vulnerable
Despite efforts to improve immunization coverage, a shocking revelation has emerged in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Thirteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) have recorded zero doses of vaccination, leaving numerous children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
The disturbing news was shared by Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BSPHDB), during a recent capacity-building event on immunization budget tracking and accountability.
According to Dr Mohammed, even out of the remaining seven LGAs, two are porous due to their border with neighboring Yobe and Jigawa States. This has raised concerns about the lack of vaccination among parents and caregivers.
"We don’t know why parents and caregivers refuse to vaccinate their children," Dr Mohammed said. "And to address this, the Board takes the vaccination to hard-to-reach communities, at naming ceremonies, and follows nomads along their routes."
To address the issue, zero dose reduction strategies have been put in place, including periodic intensification of routine immunization, in between rounds of activities, and market vaccination.
The BSPHDB receives funding from various sources, including the State Government, 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 World Bank Projects.
The capacity-building event aimed to help CoP members influence the immunization financing landscape through evidence-based advocacy. Dr Aminu Magashi, Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network, emphasized the importance of evidence-based advocacy in improving immunization coverage.
This alarming situation highlights the need for concerted efforts to improve immunization coverage and protect vulnerable children from preventable diseases.
