PACFaH commends Bauchi as it meets its 75% Immunization Funding Obligation

Gov. Abubakar

Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) under the aegis of Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) has commended Bauchi State government for the release of N40 million to the State Routine Immunization basket fund.

CHR-PACFaH Program Manager Ibrahim Wunti said the state government’s renewed commitment towards health development is also commendable as it has so far released N120 million which is 75% of N164 million it appropriated for its immunization activities in 2016 budget.

Wunti who monitored progress in immunization financing and programs in the state during a midyear review of a signed Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen RI in Bauchi state between the state, Bill Gates and Dangote, on behalf of PACFaH reports that the state has not witnessed any new case of Wild Polio Virus or transmission since the last three years.

The Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Barr. M. A. Abubakar released additional N40 million to the state Routine Immunization basket funding and reiterated his commitment to sustain the progress on polio eradication and immunization activities in the state during the review meeting.

This new release is the second tranche of funds being released this year by the state as part of its commitment towards sustaining the state’s polio-free status and improved immunization activities, as Nigeria progresses towards attaining its polio eradication status.

The mid-year review which was done through a video conference with Mr. Gates, Mr. Dangote, US Ambassador to Nigeria, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) Executive Director Dr. Ado Muhammad, the Bauchi State governor said despite the current economic down tune in the country, his administration remains committed to equitable health care financing and focused to protect the lives of mothers and children through the implementation of Primary Health Care under-one-roof.

 He further announced that his administration has constructed additional 19 Health Centers across the state in partnership with the SDGs.

In her opening remarks the Commissioner for Health Dr Halima Mukaddas presented the state achievements from January to June 2016 based on the key milestones in the state which covers amongst many the roll out of a financial management tool at all levels with accountability measurement in the state health system and engagement of traditional rulers for improved demand creation for immunization services.

She however identified a challenge with the quality of data collected as she called for more critical intervention to address the gap