By Muhammad Amaan
A member representing Bauchi Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu, has pledged to strengthen immunization activities in Bauchi state.
He made the pledge when the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) Advocacy Team, led by Coordinator of Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) Dr Aminu Magashi Garba alongside Hon. Muhammad Usman paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
As the Bauchi Local Government Area is a Zero-Dose LGA, the discussion centred on scaling up immunization efforts and addressing gaps in vaccine access to ensure no child is left behind.
The ZDLH Advocacy Team provided insights into the Bauchi ZDLH landscape, outlining key interventions and the need for enhanced CSO participation in immunization policymaking, increased budgetary allocations, timely fund releases, and strengthened accountability mechanisms to improve immunization outcomes.
The team emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between policymakers, CSOs, and local health systems in ensuring effective implementation.
In his response, Hon. Aliyu Garu welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to immunization.
He noted that during his tenure as Chairman of Bauchi LGA, he prioritized building Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the wards of the LGA.
He also accepted to be a Champion for Childrenโs Immunization in Bauchi state.
The lawmaker further committed to join the Bauchi ZDLH Community of Practice (CoP) on joint PHC visits, and pledged to include additional funds in his next yearโs constituency budget to support PHCs and immunization activities.
