By Ahmed Ahmed
The Bauchi State Community of Practice (CoP) has advocated to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination to ensure the allocation of N870 million for immunization programs in the 2025 state budget.
The CoP members, led by Dr. Hassan Shuaibu, State Focal Person of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) made the call during an advocacy visit to the ministry on Tuesday in Bauchi
He urged the ministry to ensure the capture of N870 million in the 2025 budget for immunisation programs.
Dr. Shuaibu, emphasised the need for increased funding to support immunisation initiatives and reach zero-dose children and missed communities.
He also advocated for the abolition of the Government Cash Counterpart Account (GCC Account) and called for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to declare the total amount they receive from partners.
The Focal person also stressed the need for stakeholder engagement to discuss budget proposal figures and ensure that relevant areas of need are well captured.
He explained that CoP aims to promote the sustainability of immunization finances, track immunization budgets, and engage state-level partners to ensure accountability and transparency.
Dr Shuaibu said there is a plan to re-engage the Commissioners of Ministry Finance and Budget and Economic planning and multilateral coordination and relevant ministries on the immunization zero dose.
Responding, Malam Usman Umar, Director of Technical Operations and Multilateral Collaboration pledged the ministry’s support for the CoP’s initiatives on immunization budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability.
He also promised to support the development of advocacies targeting key stakeholders for immunization financing and budget aimed at reaching zero-dose children and missed communities.