……..targets underserved communities with outreach services
By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The annual African Vaccination Week (AVW) aimed at complementing Government efforts in uptake of immunization among eligible children has kicked started in Bauchi State.
The 2025 AVW, with the theme “Immunization for all is Humanly Possible” is being implemented by the Bauchi State World Health Organisation (WHO) Field office along side the State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB) and other partners that cut across CSOs, Community Resource Groups and some implementing partners (IPs) working in the State.
Dr. Yarima Kucici, WHO Bauchi Field office representative, in short flag off ceremony on Thursday at the Bayan Fada Primary Health Care Centre, said that this year’s AVW will focus on the five local government areas of Alkaleri, Bauchi, Darazo, Ganjuwa and Darazo that are having high prevelance of Zero Dose in children.
Dr. Kucici said that they intend to carry out immunization outreach services to underserved communities in the Five identified LGAs of the State.
Speaking on behalf of CSOs that will support the AVW activity, an official of Nigeria Health Watch, Dr. Adachi Ekeh said that Health Watch will be working alongside other CSOs to support in resolving non compliances and also mobilizing care givers to allow eligible to be administered the vaccine.
While giving an insight into what the AVW entails, the Incident Manager (IM) of the State Polio Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Dr. Sufyan Ahmad Jibrin solicited the support of community and religious leaders towards the success of the activity.
He said that the 2025 AVW activity has coincided with the National Immunization Days (NIPDs) that will be flagged off in the State come Saturday 26th April, 2025.
Dr. Jibrin then cautioned the vaccination teams not to falsify data, waste vaccines and to always strive to do the right thing on the field.
“If you are found wanting, it attracts outright dismissal and possible prosecution”, Dr. Jibrin sounded a warning.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the BSPHCDB Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed thanked WHO and other Implementing partners for their continued support aimed at improving child health in Bauchi State.
He also disclosed that this month round of NIPDs will have a combined high level supervision from World bodies like WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, top level Government officials, Traditional Institutions and reputable local CSOs.
He said that the State Government, with support from partners, is committed to tackling the challenges associated with Zero Dose which is threatening the development and growth of children to their full potential.
There were goodwill messages from representatives of community/religious leaders during the flag off exercise.