Save the Children International, through its Better Opportunities for Optimal Services and Targeted Immunization for Zero Dose and Under-immunized Children (BOOST) Project, has convened a key stakeholders meeting in Kano.
The Immunization Budget Tracking Analysis and Validation Meeting, held in collaboration with the Kano State Community of Practice (COP) on Immunization, Budget Tracking, Advocacy and Accountability, took place on Tuesday at Comfort Hub Hotel, Kano.
Umar Ibrahim, Policy and Advocacy Officer at Save the Children, said the meeting was designed to critically assess progress and close existing gaps in immunisation financing.
“This activity is aimed at reviewing, analyzing, and validating the health and immunization budget-tracked data.
“We also want to use the validated data to update the 2025 scorecard with accurate figures, identify gaps and develop recommendations to present to relevant stakeholders for improvement,” Ibrahim said.
He added that the forum would also serve as a platform to plan upcoming advocacy engagements.
According to him, “When data is accurate and validated, it strengthens our advocacy. It helps us push for better funding, improved transparency, and ultimately better outcomes for children.”
Abdullahi Ibrahim, BOOST Project Manager and Kano Field Manager for Save the Children, attributed persistent zero-dose cases to vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation.
“One of the major reasons is a lack of understanding.
“Some parents rely on wrong perceptions from people who are not knowledgeable about vaccines,” he explained.
He noted that the project has recorded improvements through social and behaviour change strategies, engagement with traditional and religious leaders, and media campaigns to counter misconceptions.
Calling for stronger government commitment, he said, “Government needs to be more proactive in funding immunization.
“Donor support is shrinking, so the state must increase its budgetary allocation and also strengthen policies that support vaccine uptake.”
Salisu Yusuf, Co-chair of BOOST, said tracking at the 15 zero-dose local government areas shows progress.
“We are happy that there is a substantial improvement compared to previous years.
“About 55-60% are doing well, especially with funds being released more promptly,” he said.
However, he identified fragmented data systems as a key accountability gap and urged better coordination and adherence to micro-plans at facility and LGA levels to sustain gains in immunization coverage.
