In promoting the Zero Dose Project spearheaded by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) in Kano State, members of the Kano Network of NGOs (KANET) are called upon to advocate rigorously for increased funding for immunization.
The AHBN Kano Focal Person, Dr. Musa Muhammad Bello, shared this message during KANET’s Monthly Lecture Series, themed “The Role of Kano NGOs and Professional Bodies in Ensuring Adequate Immunization Funding, Releases, Utilization, and Accountability.”
Currently, 13.7 million children worldwide are unvaccinated, with Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, and Ethiopia bearing the highest burden of zero-dose children.
In Nigeria, Kano State leads with around 330,000 unvaccinated children in 15 local government areas, marking the highest concentration in the country, as reported by Dr. Bello.
Dr. Musa outlined significant barriers to routine immunization, citing vaccine hesitancy rooted in religious beliefs, cultural misconceptions, misinformation, and fears of side effects.
Despite this pressing need, Kano State allocated 528,013,782 Naira for immunization but disbursed only 88,002,297 Naira, a mere 16% of the funds.
According to Dr. Bello, NGOs play a vital role in advocating for the full release of funds, ensuring accountability, and influencing policy reforms to sustain immunization programs.
Dr. Bello urged KANET and Community of Practice (CoP) members to reinforce their advocacy for immunization funding, prompt releases, transparency, and awareness initiatives.
He invoked an AHBN saying: “When lives are on the line, funding shortfalls are unforgivable,” underscoring the necessity for action. Similarly, KANET emphasized, “An immunized child is the foundation of a thriving community.”
KANET’s goal, alongside AHBN, is to reduce the number of zero-dose children in Kano by 30% by 2026 and 50% by 2028, pressing for stronger collaboration to ensure sustainable health outcomes for all.