By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice (CoP) has secured a renewed commitment from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to support higher budgetary allocations and enhance accountability in immunization financing.
The advocacy visit, led by Mr. Jinjiri Garba, Co-Chairman (CSO), and coordinated by Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, Bauchi State AHBN Focal Person, aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry to ensure timely and adequate budget releases for immunization programs.
During the meeting, the CoP emphasized the importance of securing 870 million naira for immunization in the 2025 budget, building on previous high-level advocacies to key government stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor, State Assembly Members, Ministry of Health, and the State Primary Health Care Board.
The advocacy team further briefed the Ministry on the upcoming Bauchi State Immunization Financing Scorecard, a document set for validation soon, and sought the Ministry’s active participation in the process.
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN) is implementing the Nigeria Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) in partnership with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and in close collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and State Primary Health Care Boards, with technical support from Gavi.
Receiving the delegation, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mal Jibrin Mohammed Yusuf, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting immunization financing, stating that the government will work towards higher budgetary releases in 2025.
He also assured the CoP that once the 2025 budget document is finalized, a hard copy will be officially presented to the group.
This latest engagement underscores the growing momentum in Bauchi State towards sustainable immunization financing and accountability, ensuring that no child is left behind in the state’s immunization coverage efforts.
