The Bauchi State Community of Practice (CoP), a non-governmental organisation, has formally requested the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination to allocate N870 million for immunisation programmes in the 2025 state budget. Dr. Hassan Shuaibu, State Focal Person of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), led the appeal during an advocacy visit to the ministry on Tuesday in Bauchi.
Shuaibu urged the ministry to ensure that the proposed N870 million is included in the upcoming budget to bolster immunisation efforts. He highlighted the critical need for increased funding to support vaccination programmes and address gaps such as zero-dose children and communities that have missed out on immunisation.
Additionally, Shuaibu called for the elimination of the Government Cash Counterpart Account (GCC Account) and encouraged Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to publicly disclose the total funds received from partners. He stressed the importance of engaging stakeholders to review budget proposals and ensure that all necessary areas are adequately funded.
The CoP aims to promote sustainable financing for immunisation, monitor budget allocations, and collaborate with state-level partners to ensure accountability and transparency. Shuaibu mentioned plans to re-engage with finance commissioners and other relevant officials on strategies to reach zero-dose children.
In response, Malam Usman Umar, Director of Technical Operations and Multilateral Collaboration, assured the ministry’s support for initiatives focused on immunisation budget tracking, accountability, and sustainability. Umar also promised to aid in developing advocacy strategies targeting key stakeholders to secure necessary funding and support for immunisation efforts.