By Lizzy Carr
The Convener and CEO of the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, has engaged media executives, leadership of NGOs, and key stakeholders in the health sector where they reviewed the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) implementation in the state.
The end of year media parley offered an opportunity to assess progress recorded in 2025, identify challenges, and chart pathways for improved outcomes as the state prepares for 2026.
Dr. Magashi commended the Bauchi State Government, the ZDLH Community of Practice (CoP) members, and other partners for their commitment, noting that collaborative efforts continue to influence positive results in immunization financing and zero–dose reduction. He also encouraged academia–based CoP members to conduct operational and policy research to generate evidence that can strengthen decision–making, advocacy, and service delivery.
“Collaboration between the media and stakeholders is key to driving impact. I urge academic institutions to generate evidence that will support advocacy, decision-making, and improved service delivery,” he said.
Earlier, the Co-Chairman of AHBN Board, Hon. Usman Mohammed, emphasized the central role of the legislature in securing budget increases, timely release of funds, and ensuring accountability. He highlighted the AHBN-supported Immunization Financing Scorecard (2023–2025) as a tool that should be sustained for evidence-based advocacy.
“The Bauchi State legislature has done well by facilitating the allocation and 100% release of ₦872 million immunization funds in 2025, placing the state ahead in zero-dose reduction. However, we must do more as many primary health facilities still need improvement,” he added.
In his remarks, the Bauchi State Focal Person for AHBN, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, noted that the implementation of ZDLH in the state has contributed immensely to the timely release of immunization funds, acknowledging the support of the State Primary Health Care Development Board under the leadership of Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed.
He further stated that Bauchi State continues to stand out nationally due to the consistent early release of 100% immunization funds, attributed to sustained advocacy efforts led by the ZDLH Community of Practice.
The parley concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to sustain advocacy for the allocation and timely release of immunization funding, consolidate achievements made in reducing zero-dose children, and strengthen partnerships with policy makers, media, and civil society actors.
The meeting also highlighted notable 2025 achievements, including: Allocation and 100% release of ₦872 million for immunization, increased advocacy engagements leading to more champions for zero-dose interventions and strengthened political support from the Deputy Governor and key members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
As Bauchi moves into 2026, stakeholders reaffirmed the commitment to deepen collaboration, improve zero-dose coverage, and maintain the state’s lead role in immunization financing and accountability.
