The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) has called on the Borno State government to ensure data transparency and access to promote effective tracking of health sector spending.
The call was contained in the 2025 Immunization Budget Accountability Scorecard, released by AHBN in collaboration with its Communities of Practice across Bauchi, Borno, Kano, and Sokoto States.
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The report, signed by AHBN Coordinator Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, assessed government commitments to immunization financing, budget releases, and service delivery outcomes.
According to the scorecard, Borno State reached a historic milestone in 2025 by allocating 15 percent of its total budget to the health sector, meeting the Abuja Declaration benchmark for the first time.
The statement explained that,Borno state also recorded significant improvements in routine immunization, with Penta 1 and Penta 3 vaccination coverage rates rising above 75 percent.
Additionally, Borno allocated ₦234 million specifically for immunization services, a development AHBN described as evidence of growing momentum in health financing.
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Despite these gains, the report highlighted persistent challenges in data transparency and access, which continue to limit effective tracking of health sector expenditures.
AHBN warned that restricted access to information makes it difficult to fully evaluate budget performance, including the implementation of Direct Facility Funding introduced in 2025.
The network stressed that improving data openness is essential for informed advocacy, stronger public oversight, and sustained accountability.
AHBN noted that the assessment builds on years of evidence-based tracking and citizen-led accountability aimed at expanding access to life-saving vaccines, particularly for zero-dose children.
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Although the Zero Dose Learning Hub initiative supported by GAVI with technical partnership from AFENET concluded in December 2025, the network said it remains committed to sustaining advocacy efforts in 2026 and beyond.
Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba reaffirmed AHBN’s resolve to work with government and stakeholders to strengthen immunization financing and ensure that every child benefits from improved healthcare services.