The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), in partnership with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and with support from GAVI, has officially launched a Zero-Dose Immunisation Scorecard aimed at addressing immunisation gaps in Borno, Bauchi, Kano, and Sokoto States.
The initiative, unveiled in Sokoto, is designed to track performance, measure progress, and provide actionable insights to improve routine immunisation coverage—particularly among children who have not received any vaccines, also known as zero-dose children.
A Tool for Accountability and Advocacy
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Nasiru Abubakar, Programme Manager at the Sokoto Emergency Routine Immunisation Coordinating Centre, explained that the scorecard was developed to help:
- Identify immunisation gaps
- Guide advocacy efforts by the Zero Dose Learning Hub and community partners
- Engage stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind
“The scorecard provides data-driven recommendations for improved decision-making. It will be used by state-level CSOs, professional bodies, and the media to ensure every eligible child is vaccinated,” Abubakar stated.
He urged for stronger support from stakeholders to promote transparency, enhance immunisation systems, and drive sustainable progress at the sub-national level.
Focus on Budget Tracking and Implementation
Mr. Umar Garba Khadi, State Focal Person for AHBN Sokoto Field Office, noted that the scorecard targets children aged 0–24 months and was designed by community of practice members to address specific immunisation challenges.
“Our advocacy efforts will also focus on strengthening ties with the State Assembly and government for the timely release and utilisation of approved immunisation budgets for 2025,” he added.
Khadi expressed confidence in the scorecard’s potential to support polio eradication and ensure universal vaccine coverage through coordinated stakeholder efforts.
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Civil Society Calls for Increased Budget Commitment
Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto, commended the launch, saying the scorecard would serve as a tool to track progress and identify obstacles in Sokoto’s immunisation drive.
He raised concern over low vaccine coverage, revealing that over 121,000 children in the state remain unvaccinated.
“This is a serious concern. We urge the government to increase the immunisation budget release from 40% in 2024 to at least 60% in 2025. Civil society organisations will continue engaging stakeholders to ensure full coverage,” Gwadabawa said.
Broad Participation at Launch Event
The launch was attended by a broad mix of partners, civil society groups, state and local government officials, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NGOs, and other key stakeholders.
The Zero-Dose Scorecard marks a strategic effort to eliminate preventable diseases, strengthen routine immunisation programmes, and ensure that no child is left unprotected—especially in high-burden states.