Kano COP on immunization visits PHCMB DG, advocates for better funding, accountability
By Stephen Enoch
The Kano Community of Practice on Immunization (CoP) has renewed calls for increased funding, transparent spending, and stronger collaboration to close the state’s immunization gaps, particularly in “zero-dose” local government areas.
On Friday, the CoP, alongside representatives of the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), paid an advocacy visit to the Director-General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Professor Salisu Ibrahim Ahmad.
Leading the delegation, Dr. Musa Bello congratulated the DG on his appointment and outlined the objectives of the Zero Dose Learning Hub Project, jointly implemented by AHBN and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFINET) with funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
“This project aims to improve immunization coverage in Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, and Borno through advocacy for better budgetary allocation and utilization, as well as data-driven decision-making.
“In Kano, we focus on two LGAs urban Kumbotso and rural Sumaila in close collaboration with the state’s Disease Control and Epidemiology Unit,” Dr. Bello explained.
He noted that the CoP on Immunization, established under the project, brings together government and civil society partners to sustain coordination beyond the project’s lifespan. Over the past two years, the network has engaged with the State Assembly, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Budget and Planning to advocate for routine immunization funding.
“Between 2024 and 2025, routine immunization allocation increased from ₦528 million to over ₦1 billion, thanks to stakeholder engagement,” Dr. Bello said.
He also highlighted the development of a scorecard to track budget performance, which was shared with the board for further action.
Technical lead of the project, Aikibu Amisu, sought clarification on the release of recently approved counterpart funds for immunization, maternal and child health (MNCH), and emergency services.
He requested updates on the ₦180 million earmarked for free MNCH supplies and ₦344 million for routine immunization, stressing the need for timely disbursement to enable effective tracking and implementation.
Civil society co-chair of the CoP, Salisu Yusuf, urged the board to include the network in a newly formed committee to strengthen accountability in service delivery.
“If we integrate our expertise, we can help address performance gaps in key areas like service delivery, which recorded low achievement in the January–June 2024 review,” he said.
In response, DG Ahmad praised AHBN and AFINET’s contributions, especially in zero-dose areas, but acknowledged persistent concerns about accountability. He revealed that during the last State Executive Council meeting, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf questioned the lack of visible progress despite years of funding from both government and development partners.
“The budget has been approved, but release is still in process. Accountability is not just your concern, it is ours too. We must show clear results to justify these investments,” he said.
He assured the team that once funds are released, allocations will be made in line with prior agreements between the Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Management Board.