The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), in collaboration with Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice (ZDLH CoP), on Saturday, called for the quick delivery of immunisation kits in Bauchi State.
The state’s AHBN coordinator, Hassan Shuaibu, made the call at the end of a two-day caregivers exit interview, held in some Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) facilities in Bauchi and Ganjuwa Local Government Areas (LGAs).
He said that the exercise aims at measuring the satisfaction of caregivers, evaluating service delivery, identifying gaps affecting zero-dose communities, as well as generating evidence for improved immunisation.
Mr Shuaibu noted that despite the state’s commitment to ensuring a timely release of the immunisation budget, there were still challenges.
“Challenges such as shortage of essential immunisation consumables, weak logistics, supply chain bottlenecks, and occasional reagent stock-outs still exist, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” he said
According to him, exit interviews were conducted at Kafin Liman and Kafin Madaki Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Ganjuwa LGA, as well as in Yelwa and Lushi domiciliary PHCs in Bauchi LGA.
He said that although the interviews largely revealed caregivers’ satisfaction, there were also reports of the unavailability of drugs as well as personal expenses by these caregivers.
“However, the recurring unavailability of drugs and minimal out-of-pocket expenses reported by some caregivers underscore the need for stronger government action,” he said
Mr Shuaibu harped on the need to bridge these gaps, which he said required government’s intervention, including strengthening the supply chain to ensure the uninterrupted availability of consumables.
Meanwhile, he added that involving multi-sectoral stakeholders such as civil society and the media will enhance transparency in the assessment process and provide the evidence required for policy refinement.
On her part, the deputy in charge of Yelwa domiciliary PHC, Fatima Umar, commended AHBN for motivating caregivers and health workers alike.
She reiterated the call for government to support, sustain and enhance immunisation service delivery in the state.
(NAN)
