Africa Health Budget Network

Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) is committed to using budget advocacy to promote greater investment in health, accountability and transparency in Africa

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

Access to family planning commodities remains critical to protecting the health and wellbeing of women, adolescents, and families across Nigeria.

The Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) calls for urgent action to address the lingering funding gaps and commodity stockouts threatening progress in reproductive health.

Read our full press statement below.

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐂𝐂𝐀𝐂 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬

The @CCACoalition Nigeria team, comprising the @UniversityLeeds, @AHBNetwork, and NANA Women and Girls Empowerment Initiative, and led by Dr Jeffery Turner, Dr Fatima Aliyu, and Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, paid an advocacy and introductory visit to the Executive Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas & Electrical Vehicles (@PCNGInitiative), Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed OON (@IsmaeelAhmedB).

The team was warmly received by the Chairman, which welcomed the engagement and expressed strong commitment to supporting the ongoing work and strengthening collaboration as Nigeria advances its clean transport transition.

The visit provided an opportunity to share progress on the development of Nigeria’s National Policy on soot free buses and the National Strategy for CNG and electric bus deployment, while gaining insights into ongoing efforts under the Initiative and ensuring alignment with national priorities.

Discussions highlighted the Initiative’s target to transition at least 57% of commercial vehicles in Nigeria from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources within 3 years, with strong potential to reduce emissions and lower transportation costs. In a context where households spend an estimated 20% to 25% of their income on transportation, this transition presents a significant opportunity to improve affordability as well as air quality.

Progress is also being made in expanding enabling infrastructure, particularly the rollout of additional CNG filling stations across the country, alongside efforts to create an enabling environment and attract investment, with the Initiative positioned as a major investment platform.

The CCAC team was also invited to the upcoming launch of three CNG stations in Kano State scheduled for May 2026, further demonstrating the pace of implementation and expanding infrastructure for cleaner transport solutions.

The engagement concluded with a shared commitment to continued collaboration, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts to advance cleaner, more affordable, and sustainable transport systems in Nigeria.

[joseph kadiri dada @josephkadd]

@AHBNetwork Demands Urgent Action On Vaccine Financing @AMGFoundation

https://t.co/SACVXamxTF

[CORE Group @COREGroupDC]

🌍💉 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 | 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟰–𝟯𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

For over 𝟱𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, vaccines have saved more than 𝟭𝟱𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀—protecting individuals, families, and entire communities across generations. Yet, millions of children still miss essential vaccines. Closing this gap requires collective action, sustained investment, and strong community engagement.

At CORE Group, our commitment to immunization spans decades—from 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 (𝗖𝗚𝗣𝗣) to supporting equity-focused efforts like the 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗠 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗠𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗘) project and @gavi’s 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼-𝗗𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗭𝗜𝗣), reaching children in underserved communities

This #WorldImmunizationWeek, we are proud to partner with @AHBNetwork to champion this year’s theme: “𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸.”

📢 𝗚𝗲𝘁 ���𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱—𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.
Share how your organization is advancing immunization and helping build a healthier, more equitable future.

🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 ��𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: https://t.co/uDfzprI8QT

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫

More than 150 million lives saved since 1974 30 life-threatening diseases prevented 40% improvement in infant survival over 50 years. Yet 20 million children still missed at least one vaccine dose in 2024.

The data is clear — vaccines work. But the work is far from over. This World Immunization Week, let's recommit to reaching every last child.

Learn more: https://t.co/IOnuRAHEzO

#VaccinesWork #WorldImmunizationWeek

@COREGroupDC @Fmohnigeria @gavi

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩

Reaching zero-dose children requires more than good intentions — it takes sustained investment, strong partnerships, and community-level action.

Through our GAVI Zero-Dose Immunization Program (ZIP), CORE Group is actively working to immunize children in underserved communities who have never received a single vaccine dose. Because no child's protection should depend on where they were born. This World Immunization Week, we recommit to closing the gap — for every generation.

Learn more: https://t.co/hskH3n71Oi

#VaccinesWork #WorldImmunizationWeek
#ZeroDose #ForEveryGeneration

@COREGroupDC
@gavi

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐥

The UN's Sustainable Development Goal 3 commits to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, and immunization is one of the world's most successful and cost-effective health interventions to achieve this. 

This World Immunization Week, let's recommit to a world where every child has access to life-saving vaccines, because healthy lives are the foundation of a sustainable future.

Learn more: https://t.co/jB9KQKFIN9

@COREGroupDC @AHBNetwork

#VaccinesWork #WorldImmunizationWeek #ForEveryGeneration

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭  

This week, we join the global community for World Immunization Week 2026. Under the theme "For Every Generation, Vaccines Work," vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives over the past 50 years.

In 2024, 20 million children still missed at least one vaccine dose. The work is far from over. Join us as we advocate, amplify, and act.

#VaccinesWork #WorldImmunizationWeek
@COREGroupDC @AHBNetwork

Learn more: https://t.co/IOnuRAHEzO

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
📍 Abuja, Nigeria | April 24, 2026

As Africa marks World Immunization Week 2026, AHBN stands with partners across the continent to emphasize that vaccines are not just health interventions, they are a matter of equity, justice, and survival for every child.

Reaching zero-dose and underserved communities requires more than awareness; it demands stronger financing, accountability, and deliberate action to ensure no child is left behind.

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐀𝐇𝐁𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 & 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 (𝐍𝐚𝐂𝐚𝐏𝐒)

Thursday 16th April 2026; the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) convened the inaugural Technical Team meeting for the National Cancer Patients & Survivors Fund (NaCaPS), bringing together core institutional partners; the Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation (AMGF), the Arewa Cancer Control Coalition (ACCC), and AHBN to initiate a structured, multi-stakeholder process for the design and operationalization of the Fund.

The session was positioned as a high-level technical working engagement, focused on laying the foundational architecture required to establish NaCaPS as a responsive, transparent, and sustainable financing mechanism for cancer patients and survivors in Nigeria.

A key outcome of the meeting was the commencement of the development of the Fund’s operational framework. Deliberations centered on defining the governance structure, institutional roles and responsibilities, eligibility and beneficiary targeting criteria, as well as accountability and reporting mechanisms.

In parallel, discussions advanced on the financial architecture of the Fund, including modalities for the establishment of a dedicated NaCaPS bank account.

AHBN reaffirms its commitment to providing technical leadership and coordination support to ensure that NaCaPS evolves into a robust and impactful financing platform.

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 & 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 ���𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩

We are pleased to announce the Nomination and appointment of Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, the CEO and Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network as a Member of the Nigeria National Cancer Control Technical Working Group by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.

The Technical Working Group was inaugurated on Thursday, 2nd April 2026 at the Honourable Minister of State’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Abuja.

Dr. Magashi looks forward to contributing to cancer prevention, early detection, and strengthening financing, accountability and care systems, while supporting strategies that improve outcomes for patients, survivors, and advocates.

This marks an important step toward strengthening Nigeria’s cancer response in line with the National Cancer Control Strategy (2026-2030).

@Fmohnigeria
@muhammadpate
@SalakoIziaq
@Lukmandrz

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐐𝟏 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐬

Kano State has recorded a major boost in commodity availability with the receipt of its first quarter 2026 family planning supplies, delivered through coordinated support from SMOH, NPHCDA, Lafiya Nigeria, and the Gates Foundation.

The scale of commodities received reflects a strong and diversified method mix to support service delivery. Supplies from SMOH, NPHCDA, and Lafiya Nigeria include 67,300 units of Sayana Press, 60,400 PT strips, 19,950 cycles of Microgynon, 11,540 Depo injections, 9,500 Jadelle implants, and 112 Hormonal IUDs. Complementing this, the Gates Foundation supported a significant influx of commodities including 95,492 Levoplant implants, 60,000 Depo Provera, 35,000 Jadelle implants, 342,432 male condoms, 150,500 needles and syringes, 15,120 cycles of Microgynon, 15,117 Exluton cycles, 7,796 IUCDs, and 10,000 female condoms.

This development comes at a critical time, following stock outs reported in 24 states, including Kano, in 2025. The volume and range of commodities received are expected to rapidly close supply gaps, restore consistency in service delivery, and expand access to a full range of family planning options for women across the state.

The progress was closely tracked by the AHBN state team in collaboration with AMMKaS and directly reflects AHBN’s SAWH advocacy priorities to ensure sustained availability of family planning commodities for women in need.

This update draws from presentations at the 10th Quarterly Review Meeting of the Kano State Drugs and Medical Consumables Supply Agency, reinforcing the state’s commitment to transparent tracking and efficient distribution of commodities.

Overall, this positions Kano State to recover from previous supply disruptions and sustain momentum toward improved reproductive health outcomes.

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐀𝐇𝐁𝐍 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐢 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫

On 17 March 2026, the African Health Budget Network (AHBN), through its Bauchi State Focal Person, Dr. Hassan Shuaibu Musa, conducted a high-level advocacy visit to the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Muhammed Auwal Jatau.

A key highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of the 2025 Immunization Budget Accountability Scorecard to the Deputy Governor. The presentation reinforced the state government’s commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and sustainable financing for immunization and primary health care services.

The engagement contributed to a significant milestone for the state, with Bauchi achieving 100% release of its 2025 immunization counterpart funding. This achievement reflects strong political will and sustained advocacy efforts toward improving health outcomes and ensuring no child is left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines.

[Samasha @SamashaUg]

Yesterday at the #IMNHC2026 Knowledge Share Fair, @SamashaUg showcased how civil society is driving maternal & newborn health progress through accountability and partnerships.

From community voices to policy action, the Motion Tracker Approach is helping turn commitments into real results.
https://t.co/QTKrsWuAKE
#MNH #Accountability #MotionTrackerApproach

[Jennifer Joshua @JenniferJo18366]

Behind the lens at the Abuja Iftar organized by the @AHBNetwork to commemorate International Women’s Day 2026. It was an honour capturing beautiful moments as advocates, partners, and leaders gathered to celebrate women and discuss important health

[Jennifer Joshua @JenniferJo18366]

Check out this article: Dr Magashi announces N1m take-up grant to support Cancer Patients, Survivors - https://t.co/IC9o7BsgWp @AHBNetwork @AminuMagashiG @Fmohnigeria @muhammadpate @HelenClarkNZ @HeidiWReynolds @khosla_rajat @ummi_therapist

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐣𝐚 𝐈𝐟𝐭𝐚𝐫; 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐈𝐖𝐃) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

As part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026, an Iftar gathering will be hosted today in Abuja.

During the event, Dr. Aminu Magashi will announce the establishment of the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧��� 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐬 (𝐍𝐚𝐂𝐚𝐏𝐒) 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝, a new initiative aimed at mobilizing support for cancer patients and survivors across Nigeria.

The NaCaPS Fund will be jointly managed by the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Arewa Cancer Control Coalition (ACCC), and the AMG Foundation, ensuring strong partnership, transparency, and coordinated support for beneficiaries.

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐀𝐇𝐁𝐍 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐌𝐀 𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡

At the sidelines of the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) Annual Lecture Series and the launch of its Five-Year National Strategic Plan, Amina Haladu Mohammed, Programmes Delivery and Francophone Africa Liaison at the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), held a brief engagement with the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako.

The sideline discussion provided an opportunity for AHBN to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening collaboration with key government actors in advancing sustainable health financing and accountability across Nigeria and Africa. Conversations also emphasized the need for stronger investments and coordinated action to advance women’s health outcomes, maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH), as well as the role of strategic partnerships in driving reforms. The discussion further highlighted AHBN’s Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan (CAAP) as a key framework for mobilizing civil society, policymakers, and partners to champion evidence-based advocacy, improve budget implementation, and strengthen accountability in priority health programmes.

AHBN continues to position itself as a leading civil society voice promoting transparent, accountable, and evidence-driven health financing. Through initiatives such as budget tracking, accountability scorecards, policy advocacy, and coalition-building with government, civil society, and development partners, AHBN will keep working to ensure that public resources translate into improved health services for vulnerable populations.

@Fmohnigeria @muhammadpate @Mohd_Usman2012 @AminuMagashiG @SalakoIziaq @President_NCS @nationalnma

[Africa Health Budget Network @AHBNetwork]

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐇𝐒𝐑𝐂 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐣𝐚

On Monday, 13 February 2026, the Health Sector Reform Coalition of Nigeria (HSRC), with support from the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), convened a media briefing at the AHBN headquarters in Abuja to review the 2026 Federal Health Budget proposals and assess implementation of the 2025 health budget.

The media briefing highlighted the urgent need for stronger government commitment to Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) and Family Planning (FP) financing as critical pillars for improving health outcomes in Nigeria.

During the briefing, advocates raised concerns over the persistent gap between health budget allocations and actual fund releases, warning that delays in disbursement continue to weaken delivery of essential maternal and child health services.

The HSRC therefore called on the Federal Government to prioritize and ring-fence funding for MNCH programmes, including immunisation and primary health care services, to ensure that women, newborns and children across the country have access to life-saving health interventions.

Stakeholders also emphasized the central role of primary health care in delivering MNCH services. While acknowledging existing investments, the Coalition noted that the ₦64 billion allocation to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency remains inadequate given Nigeria’s high burden of maternal and child mortality. They urged the Federal Government to significantly scale up financing for primary health care and ensure timely releases to implementing agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Health.

Family planning financing also featured prominently during the briefing. Advocates highlighted a minimum funding gap of over ₦21.4 billion for family planning commodities, stressing that increased domestic funding has become critical following the gradual withdrawal of international donor support.

To address this challenge, the Coalition called on the Federal Government to increase domestic financing for family planning commodities, ensure timely release of allocated funds, and safeguard investments that expand access to contraception for women and girls, particularly in underserved communities.

Speakers noted that strengthening family planning financing will help reduce unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health outcomes, and accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward national and global health commitments.

Participants concluded that while budget allocations signal government commitment, timely and full release of approved funds remains essential for sustaining MNCH programmes, expanding access to reproductive health services, and strengthening Nigeria’s overall health system performance.

@AminuMagashiG @SamashaUg @UNFPANigeria @Aminahalad @Marafa_Aminat @HerfonH