By Sadiq S. Malami
The Sokoto State Community of Practice (CoP) under the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) has called on the Sokoto State Government to release funds allocated for immunization programmes in the 2025 state budget to ensure that every child receives life-saving vaccines.
The appeal was made during the CoP’s third quarterly review meeting, where stakeholders – including civil society organizations, health workers, and policymakers – assessed progress and challenges in implementing immunization activities across the state.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Convener of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, stressed that sustained financing is key to addressing the burden of zero-dose children in Sokoto.
“We have been in Sokoto for the past three years working with dedicated members of the Community of Practice,” he explained. “Our goal is to ensure that no child is left unimmunized, and that can only happen if the government releases the funds already budgeted for immunization.”
Dr Magashi further urged the state to work collaboratively with development partners, civil society, and the media to expand coverage and revitalize primary healthcare centres, especially in rural areas.
Also speaking, Mallam Umar Garba Kadi, the AHBN/ZDLH State Focal Person, commended CoP members for their commitment and described the quarterly meetings as an opportunity to strengthen advocacy and accountability mechanisms.
He reiterated that the release of the 2025 immunization budget would not only improve service delivery but also enhance the confidence of citizens in the health system and accelerate progress toward achieving zero zero-dose children in Sokoto.
The Sokoto CoP’s call reflects broader national advocacy efforts under the ZDLH initiative, which is implemented in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and coordinated by AHBN to strengthen budget tracking, transparency, and accountability in immunization financing across multiple Nigerian states.
