Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and with full support from GAVI, has announced the implementation of the Zero-Dose Learning Hub in Nigeria.
The initiative targets four key states, Kano, Birnin Kebbi, Bauchi, and Sokoto, to address immunization gaps, especially among children who have not received a single vaccine dose.
The announcement was made during the 2023–2024 Immunization Scorecard presentation held at the State Epidemiological Unit in Sokoto.
The event brought together key stakeholders in health financing, service delivery, and civil society to review progress and chart the way forward.
The Immunization Scorecard, structured into three main categories, Budget Summary, Health Financing and Accountability, and Service Delivery and Transparency offers a comprehensive overview of the immunization landscape.
Data collection methods included desk reviews, secondary analyses of existing budget data, key informant interviews, and exit interviews at health facilities.
The scorecard rates performance using a color-coded system: dark green (target achieved), light green (significant achievement), amber (progressive achievement), red (no achievement), and blank (data unavailable).
This visual tool helps track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Developed between January and February 2025 and validated in March, the scorecard captures budget releases, spending patterns, improvements, and challenges in the health sector from 2003 to 2024.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the insights from the 2023 and 2024 budget years would guide the closure of identified loopholes and enhance the effective allocation and use of health resources.
The Sokoto State Government received commendations for its consistent commitment to budget transparency and accountability, especially in the health sector.
Participants praised the government’s proactive stance in improving healthcare delivery through strategic planning and monitoring.
A representative from Sightsavers International noted that the NGO has supported eye care initiatives in Sokoto State for over 27 years.
He highlighted that, prior to the organization’s intervention, Sokoto lacked a single functional eye care center.
Today, the state boasts over 19 such centers, established in less than a decade.
He further emphasized the group’s contribution to combating neglected tropical diseases in Sokoto, underscoring the power of partnerships in achieving significant health milestones.
He assured continued support to further strengthen the state’s health sector.
In a goodwill message, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the State Health Services Management Board stated that 27 active secondary health facilities in Sokoto are regularly monitored and evaluated.
“Our health facilities ensure zero-dose coverage for every child delivered. No child will miss their initial vaccine dose in our hospitals,” he affirmed.
Alhaji Umar Khadi, the State Focal Person for AHBN, revealed in an interview that there are an estimated 121,000 zero-dose children across 13 local government areas in Sokoto State.
He stressed the importance of targeted interventions to reach these vulnerable populations.
Also speaking at the event, the State Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, Comrade Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, reiterated the CSOs’ commitment to advocating for the timely release of approved health and immunization budgets.
He emphasized that efficient budget disbursement is critical for the smooth execution of healthcare and immunization activities across the state.
