Communiqué Issued at the end of Stakeholders Dissemination Meeting on Routine Immunisation Budget Scorecard in Bauchi State between Community Health and Research Initiative CHR, and Bauchi State Accountability Mechanism for MNCH (BaSAM)

Preamble

Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) in collaboration with Bauchi State Accountability Mechanism for MNCH on the 4^th of April, 2016 organized a Stakeholders Dissemination Meeting on Routine Immunisation Budget Scorecard in Bauchi State. The meeting held at Bagari Suite Bauchi, and had partners from different organizations and the media in attendance. During the meeting, CSOs/Media reviewed the state’s RI budget scorecard, assessing the level of program implementation within the period of two years (4^th quarter of 2014- 1^st quarter of 2016). Its deliberations were around, RI budget allocation, status of budget releases, budget accountability and transparency, and budget expenditure.

The meeting discussed the Status of state’s RI budget expenditure, and need to strengthen accountability and transparency while commending the Executive Governor, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar Esq, for releasing N80million naira in the state’s RI Basket funding, being co-funded with Bill and Melinda Gates and Dangote. Participants during the meeting acknowledged the need for participation of CSOs and the media in Bauchi State RI Finance Working Group Meetings which will uphold accountability and transparency in government expenditure around RI.

 Observation

• The meeting observed that the state already has existing RI budget code and its RI finance appropriations are on track judging by the N80million released by the governor on the 3^rd of March 2016, which is also timely.
• That Budget review timetable exists judging by 2015 findings and the time the first phase of the state counterpart fund was released.
• It was observed that the quarterly review meeting held in the state has not met the required target of 75% rating in the scorecard, and there is low participation of CSOs and Media during Monthly Finance Working Group Meeting.

RESOLUTIONS:

General resolution

·         The BaSPHCDA  agreed to ensure the inclusion and active participation of BaSAM and CHR representatives during RI Finance working group and other important RI meetings

·         CHR/PACFaH and BaSAM, will strengthen its advocacy to targeted policy makers within its available resources.

·         CHR will support BaSAM on activities and ensure monthly meetings are held.

·         CHR/PACFaH will support the implementation of the work plan developed by the Coalition, for RI advocacy and monitoring of RI program implementation in the state.

Recommendations:

·         Commends the Bauchi State Government for the funds released and advise that the state ensures that accountability and transparency is strengthened as this will result to full implementation and coverage of the state’s planned RI activities.

·         Ensure RI funds released  is  judiciously utilized

·         It is desired that the state Primary Health Care Development Agency and Emergency Operations Center should ensure timely and regular meetings of Finance Working Group; with adequate representation of local CSOs/Media this will promote local ownership, openness, feedback and improvement of services.  

·         The ministry of health and its agencies in Bauchi state should support the inclusion of CSOs/Media in monitoring and RI supervision

·         The CSOs should be proactive in engaging for optimum support for RI programs in Bauchi State.

Adopted by: the Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) and Bauchi State Accountability Mechanism on MNCH (BaSAM)