The African Health Budget Network (AHBN) has commended the Sokoto State Government for allocating over ₦300 million to address immunisation gaps across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The commendation was given by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AHBN, Dr. Aminu Garba Magashi, during an end-of-year media parley and stakeholders’ dinner organised by the Sokoto State Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH), in collaboration with AHBN and the Africa Field Epidemiology Network, with support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).
Dr. Magashi described the release of the funds as a strong demonstration of political will by the state government in the fight against polio and other public health threats. He noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to review achievements recorded in 2025, as well as challenges confronting efforts to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated in the state.
He praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his leadership, commitment, and determination to improve immunisation coverage, while urging the state government to expedite the release of additional funds to complement ongoing interventions.
The AHBN Chief Executive Officer also called on members of the state legislature to strengthen advocacy and oversight to ensure proper utilisation of the released funds, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in immunisation financing.
According to him, sustained collaboration among government, development partners, and stakeholders remains critical to closing existing immunisation gaps and protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases in Sokoto State
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In his remarks, the Acting Executive Secretary Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHCDA), Dr. Bilaminu Yari Sifawa said the state government has intensified efforts to eliminate polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated as Nigeria sustains its national drive toward complete polio eradication.
He stressed that polio and other routine vaccines remain safe, effective, and critical to child survival, urging parents and caregivers to embrace immunisation as a shared responsibility in safeguarding public health.
He disclosed that targeted strategies are being implemented to address zero-dose cases across 13 local government areas of the state, adding that the expansion of primary healthcare infrastructure remains central to the intervention.
According to him, the number of primary health facilities in Sokoto has increased from 244 to 384, significantly improving access to basic healthcare services, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
“We are bringing healthcare closer to the people because we do not want any child to be left behind. Immunisation is free, safe, and available in all health facilities across the state. Parents, guardians, and caregivers must ensure their children receive life-saving vaccines against the five major childhood killer diseases,” he said.