Bauchi immunization funding up, coverage still low
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), in collaboration with its Communities of Practice (CoP) in Bauchi, Borno, Kano and Sokoto States, has released the 2025 Immunization Budget Accountability Scorecard, highlighting both progress and gaps in Bauchi State’s immunization efforts.
This is contained in a press statement signed by Dr Aminu Magashi Garba made available to newsmen on Friday in Bauchi
According to the press statement, the scorecard is the outcome of sustained evidence-based monitoring and citizen-led accountability initiatives that assess government commitments to immunization financing, budget allocations, fund releases and service delivery performance.
Although the Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) initiative supported by GAVI and implemented with technical support from AFENET officially ended in December 2025.
AHBN reaffirmed its resolve to continue accountability advocacy to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines, especially for zero-dose children, in 2026 and beyond.
The report commended Bauchi State for a significant milestone in immunization financing during the 2025 fiscal year.
The state government allocated and fully released ₦872 million into the Immunization Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Basket Fund, achieving a 100 per cent fund release.
AHBN described the development as a strong indication of political will and continuity in supporting routine immunization programmes, urging the state to sustain the momentum in future budgets.
However, the scorecard revealed persistent challenges in immunization outcomes. Data showed that Penta 1 and Penta 3 vaccination coverage rates remain below 40 per cent, pointing to a disconnect between financial commitments and service delivery results.
AHBN stressed the need for improved implementation, stronger community engagement, and enhanced demand creation to ensure that released funds translate into increased vaccine uptake.
The network concluded by calling on all stakeholders to intensify efforts so that every eligible child in Bauchi State is fully immunized.
