By Muhammad Amaan
The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) convened a Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) Media and Stakeholder Parley in Sokoto State, to review progress on immunization financing, accountability, and efforts to reach zero-dose children across the state.
The parley brought together senior government officials, media executives, civil society actors, legislators, and members of the ZDLH Community of Practice (CoP)
In his goodwill message, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Dr Bilyaminu Sifawa, commended AHBN for its sustained engagement in strengthening immunization accountability.
He expressed optimism for the extension of AHBN-supported activities in the state, particularly applauding the development and use of the Immunization Budget Accountability Scorecards for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Dr Sifawa also appreciated AHBN’s role in facilitating legislative oversight in line with commitments made under the Lagos Declaration, noting that such engagements have contributed to the release of immunization funds for 2025.
Earlier, the Sokoto State AHBN Focal Person, Mal. Umar Kadi, provided an overview of the parley, outlining the objectives of the ZDLH engagement in the state.
He highlighted the role of the Community of Practice in fostering collaboration between government, media, civil society, and legislators to track health financing flows, promote transparency, and ensure that released funds translate into improved immunization service delivery, particularly in high zero-dose LGAs.
During his session, the AHBN Coordinator, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, raised a critical transparency-driven question that resonated strongly with participants: “Where is the money released for immunization for 2025?”
He emphasized that beyond fund releases, deliberate efforts must be made to track resources to the point of service delivery in order to effectively address the challenge of zero-dose children in Sokoto State.
Responding, Dr. Sifawa disclosed that Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Direct Facility Funding has commenced, with a total of ₦244,000,000 already disbursed for the first and second quarters of 2025, while processes are ongoing to release an additional ₦140,000,000 for the third and fourth quarters.
He further clarified that immunization funds have been released to health facilities, reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to openness and collaboration.
The media session featured rich reflections from journalists who shared experiences from oversight visits conducted alongside state legislators, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, describing the visits as insightful and impactful.
Participants noted that CoP advocacy visits involving the media contributed to the release of ₦365 million for health interventions, while acknowledging that significant gaps remain, especially in LGAs with persistently high zero-dose figures.
Key challenges raised included timely release of health budgets, insecurity, and non-compliance at sub-national levels.
In response, AHBN committed to expanding advocacy efforts to traditional rulers to address non-compliance and strengthen community ownership.
Dr Magashi further proposed quarterly media dialogues at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), where the Executive Secretary would provide regular updates on immunization financing and service delivery.
Welcoming the idea, the media urged that such briefings be institutionalized as a standing commitment.
The Acting Executive Secretary affirmed this position, declaring that “the doors are open” for partnership, transparency, and continuous engagement.
The ₦365 million fund release, stakeholders agreed, represents not just progress but an open invitation for partnership to jointly track funds, strengthen accountability, and accelerate efforts to reduce zero-dose children in Sokoto State.
