478. Over the past five (5) years, the proportion of the Government budget allocated to health has still not attained the10% rate. It is situated at an average of 5.62%. From 2017 to 2018, this budget was increased significantly in volume. In the light of factors such as inflation, high population growth rate, economic recession, this budget has been inadequate to cover the health needs of the population. 479. However, it must be noted that the government has embarked on the Act II of the President of the Republic’s Renaissance Programme by apportioning 10% of the Government budget to health up to 2020. There has been a sustained lobbying at the National Assembly and Ministry of Finance throughout the period of implementation of the PDS to ensure that the Government’s commitment is fulfilled. 480. As part of the financing policy, the targeted objective is to look for partnership between the Government, the population, individuals and development partners in order to enhance resources allocated to the sector and ensure sustainability of activities to be undertaken. 481. The Table below shows the budgetary trends regarding Government allocation to the health sector from 2016-2018. Table No. 8: Trends of Budgetary Allocations to Health (MSP + other sectors/Total Government Budget (2016-2018) Amount in CFA francs Year 2016 2017 2018 Source: MSP Government Budget Ministry of Health (MSP) Budget 87 853 982 448 100 953 404 716 109 218 315 891 1 785 128 517 216 1 809 492 734 048 1 900 860 944 608 Ratio 4.92% 5.58% 5.75% 482. The immunization of children between 0-5 years is one of the high-impact strategies underpinning the PDS in order to reduce infant and child mortality. It is in this light that the routine EPI was instituted and immunization is free for all children throughout the country, whether they are Nigeriens or not. It has also been integrated into all healthcare services at all levels of the health system. The immunization contributed significantly to the reduction of the mortality of children below 5 years. 483. The priority lines of action selected for immunization in the 2017-2021 PDS aim at strengthening the operational capacity of immunization services to enhance the coverage; the continuation of the use of solar energy for refrigeration; the training of staff on the EPI guidelines; the intensification of the supervision of health districts with low immunization performance and introduction of the vaccine against meningococcus meningitis A in the routine EPI. 484. As part of the universal immunization against major infectious diseases, the continuation of routine activities and National Days of Immunization (JNV) must be noted, coupled with National Micronutrient Distribution Days (JNM) and medicines against bilharzia and intestinal helminths diseases. Towards this end, the following activities must be noted: - The continuation of the conduct of mass immunization campaigns against poliomyelitis; - The introduction of Men AfriVac Vaccine in the routine EPI; - The increase in the budgetary line for the purchase of vaccines and consumables (routine EPI, meningitis and yellow fever); - The organization of immunization days (2 JNV and 3 JLV) helped to immunize 4 801 361 children under 5 years of age as part of the fight against poliomyelitis, with a 91% coverage rate. 96