Bauchi PHCs Boost Child Immunization in Remote Areas

Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) in Bauchi State are significantly improving child immunization in hard-to-reach communities, despite challenges such as poor road conditions and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. The Gamsha Primary Health Care Centre in Bilkicheri Ward and the Beli Primary Health Care Centre in Beli Ward are key facilities driving these efforts.

Fatima Umar Adam, a health worker, noted that routine immunization services continue uninterrupted, with weekly fixed immunization sessions and outreach visits to ensure children in surrounding settlements are vaccinated. Five years ago, an incentive program was introduced, transforming vaccination uptake from fewer than 20 children per month to 100 children monthly.

This program encourages mothers to complete their children's immunization schedules, particularly for measles at nine months. Awalu Umar, a facility manager, reported that community acceptance of vaccines has improved, with no confirmed cases of polio in the area for the last five years.

The impact of routine immunization has been recognized by local leaders, contributing to better child health outcomes.