By Aminu Dalhatu
Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State has pledged to include a dedicated budget line for Routine Immunization (RI) in its 2027 budget to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve immunization coverage among children.
The commitment was made during a Joint Local Government Routine Immunization Budget Analysis and Baseline Validation Meeting held in Shinkafi under the Z-TRACE Project.
The meeting was organised by the Health Standard Concern Organization (HESCO), in partnership with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development (SFPD), with funding support from Gavi.
Participants reviewed and analysed the existing Routine Immunization budget and validated baseline information to identify funding gaps and opportunities for sustainable financing of immunization services at the local government level.
Discussions focused on the need for adequate budgetary allocations to ensure effective service delivery, expand immunization coverage and reduce the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children across communities.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director of HESCO appreciated the stakeholders for their active participation and contributions towards strengthening immunization financing in the area.
He particularly commended the Budget and Planning and Finance Departments for their willingness to make provision for routine immunization in the 2027 budget.
The Executive Director emphasised that sustained government commitment and adequate funding were essential to maintaining immunization interventions and ensuring that all eligible children had equitable access to life-saving vaccines.
A Major highlight of the meeting was the commitment by the Budget and Planning Department, alongside the Finance Department of Shinkafi Local Government, to ensure the inclusion of a dedicated Routine Immunization budget line in the 2027 budget and subsequent budget cycles.
The commitment is expected to strengthen local government ownership, improve accountability and promote sustainable funding for routine immunization activities.
The meeting concluded with renewed stakeholder commitment to strengthening routine immunization financing, improving service delivery and reducing the number of children who have not received any routine vaccine or are yet to complete their immunization schedules.
The Z-TRACE Project is being implemented by HESCO in partnership with SFPD, with support from Gavi, to strengthen routine immunization systems and promote sustainable financing at the local government level.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
