By Muhammad Amaan
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has pledged to ensure adequate funds are allocated for immunization in the state’s budget for 2025.
The pledge was made by the Speaker of the Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga when the Sokoto State Community of Practice (CoP) on immunization budget tracking, accountability and sustainability paid him an advocacy visit in his office.
The Speaker, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Abdullahi Zakari said the state government is not happy with the high number of Zero Dose Children in the state and they’re doing their best to tackle the burden and ensure effective healthcare service delivery to the good people of Sokoto.
“In the Assembly, we are firmly committed to ensuring effective healthcare for our people,” Bodinga stated.
The Speaker further highlighted that “Immunization is a priority area, and with your support we aim to address the issue of Zero Dose Children with a view to combating challenges associated with immunization.”
“Let me assure you of the assembly’s resolve to approve the necessary funds to address the issue of zero dose children across the state,” the speaker affirmed.
The CoP led by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) Zero Dose Learning Hub State Focal Person, Mallam Umar Garba Kadi said the visit was part of the CoP’s stakeholders’ engagement to mobilize finances and support to address the immunization gaps.
He added that the CoP is fully committed to support the state government to ensure accountability and proper utilization of the immunization funds so as to reach the Zero Dose Children and missed communities.
