In Bauchi: Govt releases N175m for 2017 routine immunisation

The fund is said to be the government's contribution in an arrangement reached it reached with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation.

The Bauchi State Government on Monday said it released N175 million for 2017  routine immunisation across the state.

Mr Adamu Gamawa, the Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi that the fund was the state government’s contribution in an arrangement reached by the government, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation.

He said that the arrangement was to strengthen routine immunisation in the state.

He explained that the fund injected by the state government would scale up routine immunisation activities in the state before the expected percentage from the two developing partners.

The chairman said that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the Dangote Foundation would contribute 15 per cent of the total sum each, while the state government was to provide 70 per cent.

He added that “in the agreement, Bauchi State Government will contribute 70 per cent, while Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation are to contribute 15 per cent each, so we are still expecting their contribution.

“The N175 million released by the state government is the first money made available
to improve routine immunisation across all health facilities in Bauchi State.

“We, therefore, are expecting Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation to release the remaining 30 per cent.”

Gamawa urged women and children to go to the various health centres in the state for effective completion of routine immunisation.

On meningitis and other communicable diseases related with the present weather condition, the chairman said the state did not record any case.

He called on the public to ensure proper and adequate ventilation, imbibe the habit of hand washing, maintain personnel and environmental hygiene, as well as other healthy ethics for personal and public health.