Bauchi State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Taskforce Committee on Immunization and Primary Healthcare, Rt. Hon. Auwal Muhammad Jatau, emphasized that increased funding for immunization is vital for public health and safeguarding children against diseases.
He made this statement during an advocacy visit by the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice on Immunization Budget Tracking, Accountability, and Sustainability, which aims to support zero-dose children and missed communities.
Deputy Governor Jatau reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to adequate health sector funding to enhance the wellbeing of the state’s residents. He highlighted the state’s significant achievements in providing counterpart funding to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) basket.
“The State has fully released the sum of 410 million naira in counterpart funding to the MOU basket fund, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that every child is immunized. Additionally, 870 million naira has been allocated in the proposed 2025 budget for this purpose,” he stated.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring that all children under five years receive complete immunization and offered to join the advocacy team for immunization funding as the chairman of the State Taskforce on Primary Healthcare.
Jatau commended the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), a sub-partner of the African Field Epidemiology Network, for its efforts in promoting health and advocating for immunization funding.
Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network, noted that the advocacy extends beyond budget allocation to include budget release, tracking immunization funding at health facilities, outreach sessions, cold chain facilities, solar energy, and vaccine availability.
“I am pleased that the State Governor, who was once a commissioner, is making significant strides in promoting immunization activities,” he remarked, calling for a dedicated budget line for zero-dose immunization and urging approval of the 870 million naira budgeted for the MOU basket in the proposed 2025 budget.
Dr. Garba added, “Our current focus will be on evidence-based advocacy for the release of funds for immunization and tracking the implementation of these funds to ensure that children receive penta vaccination, especially in light of recent diphtheria cases in the state.”
Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, AHBN Focal Person, commended the state for fulfilling all counterpart funding obligations. He explained that the network established the community of practice as part of the learning hub to enhance budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability.
Co-chair of the Community of Practice, Jinjiri Garba, urged the government to reactivate the Bauchi State Health Trust Fund as an alternative funding source for the health sector.
The Africa Health Budget Network also conducted a quarterly review meeting of the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice, allowing members to assess the initiatives implemented since capacity building, evaluate achievements and challenges, and adjust the work plan to address current conditions.
