Bauchi tops immunisation commitment, funding

…releases 100% 2025 immunisation budget

Bauchi State has released its 2025 immunization funding 100 percent in order to ensure that Children U-5 received full dose of immunisation across the State making it the first among four States in the country with zero-dose children to release the funds.

The disclosure was made during the third-quarter review meeting of the Zero-Dose Learning Hub’s Community of Practice on Immunisation Budget Tracking, Accountability and Sustainability, held in Bauchi on Sunday.

According to findings from the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) and National Immunisation Coverage Survey (NICS), Bauchi State is having 13 of the 100 zero-dose local government areas (LGAs) nationwide.

Stakeholders at the meeting noted that ongoing interventions by the State Government and development partners are helping to address the negative indices.

In a show of commitment, the Bauchi State Government approved and release of the sum of ₦872,366,636 for immunisation activities in 2025.

The African Health Budget Network (AHBN) and the Bauchi Zero-Dose Learning Hub commended the State Government for the landmark achievement, describing it as a model for others to emulate.

State Focal Person of AHBN, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, said that sustained advocacy by the network and the community of practice had improved quarterly budget releases.

He recommended that the State Primary Healthcare Development Board (SPHCDB) ensure at least 80 percent of its 2025 budget is released and called for targeted interventions to reduce dropout rates and boost Penta 3 coverage.

Hassan Shuaibu added that the review meeting aimed to validate the 2025 immunization scorecard data, assess advocacy outcomes, and explore how the media can amplify the Zero-Dose Hub’s impact.

The Focal Person noted as next steps, the need to continue to advocate for better budget releases, strengthen immunization interventions at Basic Healthcare Provision Fund facilities and promote transparency and accountability in immunization financing.

Also speaking, AHBN Convener, Dr. Aminu Magashi, disclosed that plans are underway to establish a training and conference centre in Bauchi for civil society organisations (CSOs).

He lauded the state’s commitment to immunization financing, especially after the expiration of  memorandum of understanding (MoU) immunisation basket fund between the Gates Foundation, Dangote Foundation and the Bauchi State Government

Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the need for sustained advocacy on gender mainstreaming in immunisation activities, use of community based social structures to promote uptake of vaccines, antenatal care, postnatal care, and hospital deliveries, male involvement as well as ensuring that the annual operational plan aligns with budgetary provisions.

A panel session on “ Media Engagement Advocacy, Reflections Outcomes and Challenges” highlighted the crucial role of journalists in amplifying outcomes, mobilizing communities, and holding stakeholders accountable.

Panelists, however, pointed out challenges including limited access to health data, political interference, and inadequate funding for investigative health reporting.

They called for stronger partnerships between media, academia, CSOs, and health MDAs in training and capacity building.

Meanwhile, the Aminu Garba Magashi Foundation honoured outstanding health workers for their dedication.

Recipients included Sulaiman Adamu Musa, awarded Most Committed PHC Staff; Nasiru Alhaji Modibbo, recognized as Most Committed Volunteer; and Judith Chancit Haruna alongside Marwanu Musa, both named Most Patient-Friendly PHC Staff.

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