AHBN, Partners Disseminate Accountability Scorecard, Highlight Progress on Zero Dose Learning Hub Project in Kano
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN), in partnership with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), has presented progress updates and disseminated an accountability scorecard on the ongoing implementation of the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) project in Kano State.
The event, held at the Polio Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Kano, brought together health stakeholders to discuss key achievements and challenges in improving immunization coverage, especially among children who have not received any vaccines—known as “zero-dose” children.
Funded by GAVI, the ZDLH project is a national initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals, improving data use, and ensuring equitable immunization coverage. It is being implemented in four states—Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, and Borno—alongside national-level engagements.
The project is led by AFENET/AHBN under the technical guidance of the JSI Consortium and in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and State Primary Health Care Boards.
According to Dr. Musa Muhammad Bello, the AHBN State Focal Person, the project has made notable progress over the past two years. Key activities include establishing a Community of Practice for immunization advocacy, conducting decentralized monitoring exercises in Kumbotso and Sumaila LGAs, and developing a scorecard for tracking immunization budgets and accountability.
Speaking at the dissemination event, AHBN called for increased commitment from all stakeholders based on findings from the scorecard and various community engagements.
Some of the project’s key observations and recommendations include:
Commendation to the Kano State Government for maintaining a consistent double-digit health budget allocation above the Abuja Declaration benchmark and for establishing a State Task Force on Immunization and Primary Health Care, chaired by the Deputy Governor.
Calls for improved budget performance, especially in the timely release of funds for immunization and counterpart funding at both state and local government levels.
Urging development partners and organizations supporting zero-dose interventions to harmonize their efforts to reduce duplication and maximize resources.
Also present at the event was Sulaiman Umar Jalo, AHBN’s Knowledge Management Officer, who emphasized the role of structured data and evidence in enhancing learning and boosting vaccine coverage.
The Zero Dose Learning Hub initiative continues to serve as a critical tool in addressing immunization inequities and reaching underserved communities across Nigeria. Stakeholders expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration and funding, the goal of leaving no child behind in immunization efforts can be achieved.
