In a bid to deepen collaboration and reaffirm our commitment to routine immunization, New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE) participated in two strategic engagements in Bauchi State in the first week of August; one with traditional leadership and another with the State Government.

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Led by the organization’s Stakeholder Relations Director, Nura Muhammad, the engagements served as a platform to showcase the impact of the NI-ABAE program and strengthen partnerships with those at the heart of public health decision-making in the state.‍‍

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‍Bauchi Emirates Councils Committee on Health: Engagement with Traditional Leadership

On August 5, NI-ABAE joined the Bauchi Emirates Councils Committee on Health for its review meeting focused on improving primary healthcare services across the state. Chaired by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dass, the session brought together traditional rulers, state health officials, and development partners to assess progress and coordinate efforts.

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A key highlight of the meeting was the recognition of the All Babies  community engagement efforts through its paid radio jingles, which promote routine immunization uptake. The committee commended the program’s approach, and the State Health Educator noted that the jingles were helping to improve awareness and drive caregiver turnout for immunization services. NI-ABAE was encouraged to broaden the messages in the jingles to include maternal health, considering their impact.

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The meeting also addressed the importance of inclusive community mobilization, with particular attention to engaging Tsangaya Malams (teachers of Almajiri system of education) in health outreach activities. NI-ABAE expressed strong support for the recommendation to formally integrate these influential figures into immunization at the grassroots level.

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‍Courtesy Visit to the Governor of Bauchi State

On August 6, the NI-ABAE delegation paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, to present the program’s milestones and seek continued government partnership to increase routine immunization coverage.

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During the visit, Stakeholder Relations Director Nura Muhammad delivered a presentation on the organization’s impact in Bauchi. He noted that since launching in the state in June 2022, NI-ABAE has supported over 734,000 caregivers through ₦4.2 billion in conditional cash transfers, aimed at encouraging full completion of the six childhood immunization visits.

“Our goal is simple: to leave no child unprotected,” Nura stated. “That vision has become our operational compass. But beyond the numbers, the real impact lies in the lives we touch, including the reduction in zero-dose children and the growing trust in vaccines across communities.”

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He further highlighted the program’s contribution to local economic development, with over 325 indigenous staff employed across the state.

“We pay competitive salaries and benefits comparable to federal service, because our people are the heart of our delivery,” he added.

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As part of the visit, the NI-ABAE team requested the Governor’s support in two areas: lending his voice to the organization’s community radio campaigns and continued engagement of traditional leaders to promote vaccine acceptance and participation.

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‍A Governor’s Endorsement

In his response, Governor Bala Mohammed expressed deep appreciation for the program’s contributions and acknowledged the significance of its reach and investment in the state.

“I’m pleasantly surprised by the scale of what I’ve heard today,” the Governor said. “₦4.2 billion disbursed, 734,000 caregivers supported, and 325 staff on your payroll, this is a massive incentive to our state. We believe we must reciprocate this good gesture.”

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The Governor emphasized the alignment between NI-ABAE’s work and the state’s health priorities, including the ongoing emergency declaration on health. He pledged his advocacy for NI-ABAE’s work on routine immunization and assured the team of full government support moving forward.

“I assure you, I will be your number one advocate,” he said. “The Deputy Governor and I will continue to engage our traditional and religious leaders to carry the torchlight of sustainability, especially in combating negative perceptions about vaccines.”

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He also encouraged the organization to explore complementary support, such as maternal kits that mothers can keep:

“Items that leave a lasting impression even after the cash ends,” he said.

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In closing, the Governor directed the State Primary Health Care Development Board to provide regular updates on the program.

“You are doing a huge humanitarian service for our people,” he concluded. “We are ready to partner, financially and politically, to expand this life-saving work.”

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Sustained Commitment

These two engagements underscore NI-ABAE’s commitment to collaboration with state governments, traditional institutions, and health stakeholders to protect more children from vaccine-preventable diseases in all our states of operation.

“When political will meets community engagement, real progress is made,” said Nura Muhammad. “We are grateful for the warm reception and look forward to continuing this vital partnership to leave no child unprotected.”