The Sokoto State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to approving sufficient funds for immunisation in the state’s 2025 budget.

This assurance was given by the assembly speaker, Tukur Bala, when he received Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) on an advocacy visit in Sokoto on Wednesday.

Mr Bala, represented by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation chairman, Abdullahi Zakari (APC–Rabah), expressed concern over the state’s high rate of zero-dose children.

“In the assembly, we are firmly committed to ensuring effective healthcare for our people,” said Mr Bala.

The speaker highlighted the assembly’s dedication to improving healthcare services in the state.

“Immunisation is a priority area, and with your support, we aim to address the issue of zero-dose children with a view to combating challenges associated with immunisation.

“Let me assure you of the assembly’s resolve to approve the necessary funds to address the issue of zero-dose children across the state,” he noted.

Mr Bala encouraged AHBN to intensify its awareness camping efforts, especially in educating families on the importance of childhood immunisation.

“Often, the attitude of personnel managing routine immunisation discourages families from participating, in addition to traditional belief, which remains a significant barrier.

“There is a need for greater awareness, particularly in rural areas so as to curb the menace,” he advised.

Nuraddeen Aliyu of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), who led the team, explained that the visit was part of a community of practice (CoP) engagement to involve all stakeholders.

Mr Aliyu said the CoP was committed to securing the full release of the immunisation budget.

“It’s alarming that Sokoto remains among the states with the highest number of zero-dose children.

“However, with the assembly’s support and collaboration with other stakeholders, we are optimistic of reaching our target communities,” he said.

Earlier, AHBN state focal person Umar Garba explained that 13 out of the 23 local government areas of the state had recorded zero-dose cases.

He stated that AHBN focused on reaching zero-dose children and underserved communities across the state.

(NAN)