By Lizzy Carr
Bauchi State Zero Dose Learning Hub Community of Practice (CoP) has made a case for increased funding for immunization in the state budget.
Chairman of the Hub Jinjiri Garba and the State Focal person, African Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr Hassan Shuaibu led an advocacy Visit to the Majority Leader of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Saleh Hodi Disina and the Chairman House of Assembly Committee on Health Lawan Dauda, where they urge the house to also strengthen oversight, tracking, promote accountability and sustainability.
He presented the Community of Practice request that include the need for the legislators to ensure the smooth passage of the projected 870 Million Naira Immunization Budget for the year 2025 and for the creation of a budget line for Immunization/Zero Dose.
Other areas of concern are the re-introduction of the Government Cash Counterpart (GCC) Account and the funding of same to enable utilization of the allocated amount therein for eventual emergencies related to vaccine-preventable diseases and routine immunization counterpart funding payments in the state.
The legislators pledge to ensure that the 870Million Naira Immunization Budget for 2025 is passed., and they will step up their oversight visits all MDAs under the State Ministry of Health so as to ensure that all administrative and financial bottlenecks affecting Routine Immunization administration and uptake especially related to budget are addressed.
The Majority Leader, Saleh Hodi Disina said as a member of the Public Account Committee he will facilitate improved funding for health especially Routine Immunization.
On his part the the Chairman House of Assembly committee on health, Lawan Dauda said he will lobby his colleagues in the Committee on Appropriation to ensure that all necessary support is given to ensure Increased Immunization funding in the State.
