By Danhassan Abubakar
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN) has commended the Bauchi State government for its exemplary approach to immunization budgeting and fund release.
Dr. Aminu Maigashi Garba, AHBN’s CEO and Coordinator, made the commendation during an advocacy visit to the State House of Assembly, alongside members of the State Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice.
According to Dr. Garba, Bauchi State’s allocation of N872 million for immunization in the 2025 budget, coupled with the full release of the funds, is a notable achievement.
He urged the House to intensify its oversight efforts, suggesting that the Speaker personally select a healthcare facility to monitor the utilization of funds and implementation of life-saving immunization interventions, particularly in zero-dose local government areas.
Responding, Speaker Abubakar Y. Suleiman reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to prioritizing the health sector through adequate budgetary provisions and timely releases.
He pledged to accompany the House Committee on Health on an oversight visit to healthcare facilities, demonstrating his dedication to assessing operations and addressing challenges firsthand.
Earlier, AHBN team lead in Bauchi State, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, stated that the purpose of the advocacy visit was to review immunization financing documents, identify gaps, and proposing practical solutions.
He commended the state’s progress in immunization funding and urged the Assembly to sustain its prioritization of immunization financing, incorporating women’s issues and social protection interventions to promote gender inclusion for better health outcomes.
A key highlight of the visit was the presentation of the Immunization Budget Accountability Scorecard, designed to track state performance and transparency in health financing.