AHBN unveils Bauchi 2025 immunization financing scorecard to boost funding, accountability
By Ahmed Ahmed
The African Health Budget Network (AHBN) has presented its flagship Bauchi State 2025 Immunization Financing Scorecard alongside key resources from the Zero Dose Learning Hub to the Bauchi State Ministry of Health, in a move aimed at strengthening evidence-based financing and accountability for immunization services.
The presentation, delivered on behalf of AHBN’s Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, was led by Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Health in Bauchi State.
Dr Musa urged the state government to utilise the scorecard’s findings to secure stronger political commitment, increased domestic funding, and improved transparency in immunization programming.
“This scorecard provides a clear roadmap for Bauchi State to close financing gaps and ensure that no child is left behind in our immunization efforts,” he said.
The 2025 Immunization Financing Scorecard offers an in-depth assessment of the state’s immunization budget performance, including analysis of budget allocations, release rates, expenditure tracking, and equity in resource distribution.
Developed through extensive data collection and stakeholder consultations, the report aligns with national and global targets to eliminate zero-dose children those who have not received routine vaccines.
Supporting publications from the Zero Dose Learning Hub, including toolkits on financing models, zero-dose reduction strategies, and programme monitoring frameworks, were also presented to guide policymakers in expanding routine immunization coverage across local government areas and primary healthcare centres.
As part of broader advocacy engagements, Dr. Musa also visited the Permanent Secretary of the Bauchi State Ministry of Health, Mal. Dauda Yakubu, and the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics.
During the meetings, he emphasised the importance of evidence-driven budgeting and multi-sectoral collaboration to improve domestic financing for vaccines, cold-chain systems, and service delivery.
Copies of the scorecard and accompanying publications were formally handed over for dissemination across relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to support planning for the upcoming health budgeting cycle.
AHBN noted that the initiative comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to face immunization financing constraints amid persistent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
According to the organisation, sustainable immunization depends not only on increased funding but also on accountable stewardship of available resources, with Bauchi positioned to set a model for sub-national leadership.
Civil society groups and development partners have welcomed the scorecard as a timely tool for policy dialogue and reform, while AHBN called on the media, policymakers, and the public to access the materials and support sustained investment in life-saving immunization programmes.I
