By Ndidi Chukwu
To improve efficiency in Routine Immunization programs implementation in Kano State, heads of health agencies in the state have recommended that N480m should be captured in the 2017 budget for immunization.
According to participants at the just concluded Midterm Sector Strategic (MTSS) planning meeting for 2017-2019 and Annual Operational Plan (AOP) for 2017, that will guarantee availability of funds to implement immunization activities.
Managing Director, Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA), Pharmacist Magaji Zarewa, during his presentation of costing of SPHCMB, advised the board to follow up and ensure the inclusion of N480 million RI budget in the Ministry of Budget and Planning.
He urged the state participants to be aware of the funding needs for immunization in the state, and the sustainable way of meeting 2017 funding requirements.
The Deputy Chairman Committee on Health, Musa Ali Kachako, while speaking on tripartite agreement signed by the state, Bill Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation, said there is need for intensive advocacy to stakeholders to know the concept and magnitude of RI activities in the state, and how to ensure that the state meets it’s part of the commitment.
“Therefore I recommended that SPHCMB should include N480 million in their 2017 budget submissions for RI activities in the state, as a plan for sustainability after the expiration of tripartite agreement,” Kachako said.
In response to recommendations made in the meeting, the Executive Secretary State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nasir Mahmud in an interview with the media said the Kano state governor has
pledged to meet its full commitment for 2016 before the end of the year.
He further said a good percentage budget allocation to RI is included in the 2017 Annual Operation Plan for its sustainability after the tripartite MOU
