In a bid to strengthen immunisation and Primary Health Care services in Gombe State, key stakeholders on Thursday convened for a one-day training on qualitative survey methods to drive improved domestic resource mobilisation.
The training, held in collaboration with the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GPHCDA), Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), Gavi, and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), focused on strategies to reach zero-dose children—those who have not received any routine vaccines.
Giving an overview of the Partnership to Reach Zero-Dose Children (PREACH) project, Head of Programme at VNDC, Chika Nwankwo, said the initiative places strong emphasis on advocacy and resource mobilisation to boost immunisation funding.
“The Partnership To Reach Zero-Dose Children (PREACH) project is an advocacy project focused on domestic resource mobilisation for immunisation,” Nwankwo said. “With funding from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) through Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, VNDC was awarded the PREACH project in 2023 and was renewed for this second phase.”
She explained that the PREACH project employs a two-pronged approach—national and subnational. “For the national level: we advocate for increased immunisation financing through domestic resource mobilisation or other sources, and the timely release of budgeted immunisation funds through innovative strategies that are predictable and sustainable.
“And subnational: we aim to create a sustainable framework to reduce the number of zero-dose children in the state by strengthening immunisation systems, addressing vaccination barriers, and mobilising resources,” she added.
Nwankwo also disclosed that a dedicated Zero-Dose Children Task Force or advocacy group would be established to build local capacity and conduct analytical studies, including investment costing. “This will inform a compelling case to government, private sector, and civil society organisations for immunisation and PHC funding,” she noted.
Consultant Yahaya Oloriegbe highlighted the responsibilities of the newly-formed task force, urging members to remain focused on the mission. “As a member of the State-Level Zero-Dose Children Task Force, your role is pivotal in driving tangible progress towards increased immunisation coverage and reaching zero-dose children in our state. Your collective efforts will ensure evidence-based decision-making and robust resource mobilisation,” he stated.
On his part, Ibrahim Yusuf, Coordinator of the Vaccine Network, stressed the importance of commitment from all members of the working group, which includes government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the media.
“Each has a role in this task force. The Federal Government provides the vaccine, while Gombe State Government is to provide logistics,” Yusuf said, while commending the contributions of stakeholders. “We appreciate the Executive Secretary of GPHCDA, civil society organisations, and the Ward Development Committee in their collective bid targeted at ending zero-dose in the state.”
Representing the Executive Secretary of GPHCDA, Dr Shuaibu Abdulrahman, at the event, Dr Maryam Abubakar reiterated the importance of adequate financing in ensuring effective PHC and immunisation services.
“Financing is critical for the provision of effective immunisation and PHC services in the state,” Abdulrahman said.
