By Muhammad Amaan
The Coordinator of Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr Aminu Magashi Garba on Friday visited Bauchi State and lead a high-level advocacy to the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
During the visit, Dr Magashi led the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) Community of Practice (CoP) on immunization budget accountability to a high-level advocacy meeting with the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman.
The team also meet with the Chairmen of the House Committees on Health and Appropriation, respectively.
During the meeting, Dr Magashi expressed appreciation to the Bauchi State Government and the entire House of Assembly for passing and allocating a projected immunization budget of N872 million for 2025.
He also commended the government for releasing 100 percent of the allocated funds.
However, he requested the Assembly to oversee the utilization of the funds and track the implementation of lifesaving immunization interventions, particularly in zero-dose Local Government Areas.
In a remark, the Bauchi State AHBN Team Lead, Dr Hassan Musa, requested the Assembly to ensure the integration of gender-sensitive issues and the state’s social protection interventions to promote gender mainstreaming in the state.
In his response, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman thanked the Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice and the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) for the visit.
He also thanked the team for the development and presentation of the 2024 Immunization Financing Scorecard to him and other critical stakeholders in the state.
The speaker assured the ZDLH of his continued support and commitment, particularly in oversight, release of funds, and tracking of released funds to the facility level.
He also appreciated the Chairmen of the House Committees on Health and Appropriation for their critical roles in ensuring a smooth budget preparation, defence, and passage.
