Bauchi’s Bold Move: Inaugurating CoP to Combat Childhood Immunisation Gaps
In a significant stride towards public health, the Bauchi State Government has launched the Community of Practice (CoP) on immunisation budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability.
This initiative is a direct response to the pressing issue of unvaccinated, or ‘zero dose’, children within the state.
The CoP, established by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) in collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), is part of the broader Nigeria Zero Dose Learning Hub Project.
The project’s primary aim is to set up a learning hub that will facilitate systematic monitoring and robust learning for interventions designed to identify, reach, monitor, measure, and advocate for improved immunisation practices.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, expressed gratitude for the consortium’s efforts during the inauguration ceremony.
He emphasised the CoP’s role in providing evidence-based advocacy to bolster collaboration with immunisation partners and civil society organisations at the state level.
The Government Core-Chair of the CoP, Dr. Adamu Mohammed, called for unwavering commitment from the CoP members to achieve the goal of enhanced immunisation coverage.
Similarly, Mallam Jinjiri Garba, the Civil Society Organisations Core Chair of the CoP, highlighted the importance of timely fund releases as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure budget performance and a positive impact on zero-dose children.
Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, the AHBN Bauchi State Focal Person, outlined the CoP’s operational framework, which includes continuous analysis and tracking of immunisation budgets, reviewing challenges, and offering recommendations to foster accountability and transparency among state-level partners.
The CoP also plans to document and disseminate lessons learned through various platforms, ensuring the sustainability of immunisation finances.
The CoP comprises a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organisations, groups representing people with disabilities, academia, experts, and media representatives.
Together, they aim to use the evidence gathered to engage in targeted advocacy with policymakers, political actors, development partners, and community gatekeepers to influence positive actions for sustainable immunisation finances.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment for Bauchi State as it takes a proactive approach to safeguard the health of its youngest residents, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.
