By Bulak Afsa
The Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) Advocacy Team, led by Dr. Aminu Magashi, Coordinator of the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), met with Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu, Federal Representative for Bauchi Constituency, at the National Assembly office in Abuja on Tuesday, 27th February 2025. The team, accompanied by Hon. Muhammad Usman, Immunization Advisor, discussed pressing immunization challenges in Bauchi Local Government Area (LGA), which remains one of the Zero-Dose LGAs.
The discussions focused on scaling up immunization efforts and bridging gaps in vaccine access to ensure that no child is left behind. The ZDLH Advocacy Team emphasized the need for greater civil society engagement in immunization policymaking, increased budgetary allocations, timely fund disbursement, and enhanced accountability mechanisms to improve immunization coverage.
Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu welcomed the initiative, reaffirming his commitment to immunization. "During my tenure as Chairman of Bauchi Local Government, I prioritized the construction of Primary Health Care (PHC) centers across the LGA to improve healthcare access," he said. Garu accepted the role of Champion for Children's Immunization in Bauchi and pledged to join the Bauchi ZDLH Community of Practice (CoP) for joint PHC visits.
Garu further committed to advocating for increased funding for immunization programs and allocating additional funds in his next constituency budget to support PHCs and immunization initiatives. "This initiative will go a long way in ensuring that every child in Bauchi receives life-saving vaccines," he emphasized.
This commitment marks a critical step toward achieving universal immunization coverage in Bauchi LGA. As a Champion for Children's Immunization, Hon. Aliyu Aminu Garu is poised to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of children in his constituency.
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