By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO – In a bid to close immunization gaps and reach children who have never received any vaccines, the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), in partnership with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and supported by GAVI, has launched the Zero-Dose Learning Hub initiative in Nigeria. The project targets four states: Kano, Birnin Kebbi, Bauchi, and Sokoto.

The initiative was officially unveiled during the 2023–2024 Immunization Scorecard presentation, held at the State Epidemiological Unit in Sokoto. The event convened key stakeholders from health financing, service delivery, and civil society to evaluate progress and strategize for improved immunization coverage.

The Immunization Scorecard, categorized into Budget Summary, Health Financing and Accountability, and Service Delivery and Transparency, provides a detailed overview of immunization performance. Data for the scorecard was compiled through desk reviews, analysis of existing budget data, key informant interviews, and exit interviews at health facilities.

Performance is visually tracked using a color-coded system:

Dark green – target achieved

Light green – significant achievement

Amber – progressive achievement

Red – no achievement

Blank – data unavailable

Developed between January and February 2025 and validated in March, the scorecard covers budget trends, spending patterns, and challenges in the health sector from 2003 to 2024.

Stakeholders expressed confidence that the insights drawn from the 2023 and 2024 budget years would be instrumental in closing existing gaps and ensuring better resource allocation.

The Sokoto State Government was lauded for its commitment to transparency and accountability in the health sector. Participants commended the state’s proactive approach to healthcare delivery through data-driven planning and consistent monitoring.

A representative from Sightsavers International highlighted the organization’s longstanding support for eye care in Sokoto, noting that the state now has over 19 functional eye care centers, a marked improvement from having none prior to their intervention. He also cited the organization’s contributions to combating neglected tropical diseases, reaffirming the value of strategic partnerships in public health.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the State Health Services Management Board stated that all 27 active secondary health facilities in the state are under regular monitoring and evaluation.

“Our health facilities ensure zero-dose coverage for every child delivered. No child will miss their initial vaccine dose in our hospitals,” he assured.

Alhaji Umar Khadi, Sokoto State Focal Person for AHBN, revealed that an estimated 121,000 zero-dose children reside across 13 local government areas in the state. He emphasized the urgency of tailored interventions to reach these underserved populations.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Comrade Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, reaffirmed the CSOs’ commitment to advocating for timely release of approved health and immunization budgets. He stressed that efficient disbursement is essential for seamless execution of healthcare initiatives across Sokoto.