By Ndidi Chukwu
Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) has commended the Bauchi State Government and Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar for the release of N79 million into the state Routine Immunization basket fund for 2017
The commendation came at the end of Bauchi State Routine Immunization Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) review meeting between the state government, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr Bill Gates, which seeks to strengthen immunization in the state.
Governor Abdullahi Abubakar
CHR’s Project Director, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, who was represented in the 2017 Mid-year meeting by CHR-PACFaH Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Farouk Umar, said the state government’s commitment to
Routine Immunization and health financing is commendable, stressing the continued commitment of the state to meet its funding requirements for immunization in 2017.
At the review meeting, Governor Abubarkar disclosed that the state has recently paid N79 million for Immunization activities, and is committed to health care financing.
“We have now paid remaining N79 million between yesterday and today for immunization and we are increasing health care financing to achieve our 15 per cent Abuja declaration,” he said. The governor also stressed his commitment to ensure sustainability and ownership to RI.
In their remarks, Alhaji Aliko Dangote commended the state and stated that his foundation is willing to extend its partnership for the next two years in the state.
He also acknowledged the state Commissioner of Health for aggressively monitoring the immunization implementation of remaining quarter, reiterating that the traditional institutions can play a vital role in
RI implementation.
Mr Bill Gates also commended the state and emphasized the use of quality data to engage LGAs chairmen during IPDs round. He also added that Increase on demand for RI services need to be intensified using traditional & religious leaders.
In her goodwill message, Director Disease control and Immunization National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Dorothy Nwodo, said the agency is delighted to give all support to ensure RI is prioritize in the state.
Meanwhile, the UNICEF representative called on the state to improve data quality and ensure accountability in health sector. The 2017 mid-year review which held on July 19 had participants from NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, EU-SIGN, CDC-NSTOP, SOLINA, MCSP, Chigari foundation, eHealth, USAID and the CHR.
