By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
As part of efforts to eliminate the menace of zero-dose children in Bauchi State, the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), under the AFENET-funded Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) intervention, has engaged media practitioners and key stakeholders in an end-of-year review meeting to assess progress and chart a way forward for improved immunisation coverage.
The parley, held on 31st December 2025 as the year draws to a close, was aimed at reviewing the implementation of the ZDLH in Bauchi State, gathering feedback from stakeholders, and strengthening strategies for expanding routine immunisation services, particularly among underserved populations.
Welcoming participants, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AHBN, Dr Aminu Magashi, described the interface as a critical platform for reflection, learning and collective problem-solving. He said the engagement created an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences on what is working, identify gaps, and propose areas for improvement in the implementation of the ZDLH intervention.
Dr Magashi explained that inputs from the parley would enrich the 2025 Immunisation Scorecard being developed by AHBN for submission to government authorities, political actors and development partners. According to him, the scorecard remains a vital evidence-based advocacy tool for influencing policy decisions and programme planning aimed at changing Bauchi State’s zero-dose status.
Speaking on the role of the legislature in supporting the ZDLH, the Co-Chairman of AHBN, Hon. Mohammed Usman, emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable health outcomes. He noted that the gains recorded in immunisation coverage across the state were the result of collaboration among the ZDLH, state government, legislature, academia, civil society organisations, and the media. He urged media professionals to sustain advocacy efforts beyond the lifespan of the ZDLH intervention.
On her part, the Executive Director of the Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD), Ms Elizabeth Kah, called on AHBN to further leverage the expertise of media-based civil society organisations for evidence-driven advocacy. She said J4PD had played a significant role in influencing favourable policies in key primary healthcare services in Bauchi State and pledged the organisation’s continued support in giving visibility to ZDLH activities within and beyond the state.
Earlier, the Bauchi State Focal Person of AHBN, Dr Hassan Shu’aibu, presented a set of key recommendations aimed at strengthening immunisation financing and service delivery in the state. The recommendations include sustaining the state health budget allocation of 15 per cent, improving timely release and execution of health budgets, and ensuring full state contribution to the immunisation basket fund.
Other proposals include optimising the disbursement of at least 80 per cent of Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) resources to primary healthcare facilities through the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, as well as implementing targeted interventions to address gaps in Penta 1 and Penta 3 immunisation coverage, particularly in zero-dose-affected local government areas.
ZDLH intervention in Bauchi State is being implemented through a multi-stakeholder Community of Practice (CoP), comprising representatives from government, civil society organisations, academia and the media.
.jpeg)
0 Comments