Immunization stakeholders praise Bauchi govt launch plans to boost vaccine uptake in 2025
By Ahmed Ahmed
Stakeholders on immunisation and Community of Practice (CoP) with support from the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), has commended the Bauchi State Government for its consistent commitment to improving immunization services.
They praised the government for the timely and complete release of the 2024 immunization budget, describing Bauchi as a reference point for 100 percent release of budgeted immunization funds.
It also lauded the allocation of N872 million for the 2025 proposed immunization budget.
The commendation was made during the Quarter Three (Q3) Review Meeting of the CoP held on Monday in Bauchi,
The CoP under the Bauchi State Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) set an agenda to intensify advocacy and optimize the state’s accountability framework.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Jinjiri Garba, Co-Chairman of the CoP, said the meeting focused on reviewing the third-quarter performance and initiating the development of the 2025 immunization financing scorecard.
“Last year, the CoP supported the development of the 2023 and 2024 scorecards, which have been instrumental in tracking progress and identifying gaps,” Garba stated.
Earlier, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, Convener of AHBN, commended the State Government for its support and appreciated the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), the lead partner implementing the Zero Dose Learning Hub project.
He highlighted AFENET’s role in identifying barriers to universal immunization coverage through Decentralized Immunization Monitoring (DIM) and Implementation Research (IR).
Dr. Hassan Musa, AHBN, State Lead, said the meeting also assessed previous advocacy visits, identifying key outcomes and areas requiring targeted follow-up with critical stakeholders.
He thanked participants for their input in shaping the Q4 work plan and the ongoing development of the 2025 immunization financing scorecard.
Our correspondent reports that panel discussions explored strategies to strengthen immunization uptake through data-driven advocacy, mainstream media integration, and gender-sensitive approaches to address vaccine hesitancy.
Other focus areas included improving female caregivers’ travel autonomy, reducing gender-based violence, and leveraging existing social and behavioral change structures
