Progress in Yobe as health budget hits 15%

In April 2001, Heads of State of African Union countries met and pledged to set a target of allocating at least 15% of their annual budget to improve the health sector. In Yobe State, sub-national level in Nigeria, annual budget allocation to the health sector has been consistently below the 15% target in the last three years, 13.52% in 2021, 9.16% in 2022 and 11.90% in 2023.

Recently, the Yobe Voice Accountability Mechanism for maternal, newborn and child health (YoVAM) advocacy for 15% health budget allocation in the State during the 2024 financial year. In their advocacy YoVAM uses evidence packaged in health budget scorecards to reach policy stakeholders. 

The stakeholders engaged include: the State Governor, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Health care board, Speaker of the State house of assembly and his team, Permanent Secretary State ministry of health and Director budget of the state department of budget and economic planning. 

In a high-level meeting at the government house in the presence of the High Emirs, development partners, local civil society and media the Governor made a bold commitment towards improving coverage of critical primary health care services to between 80-90% coverage in Yobe State. 

“I am pleased to say that in 2024 budget, we have allocated 15% of the state budget to the health sector in line with the Abuja declaration. This will enable us invest in quality primary healthcare and deliver universal health coverage.” Governor Yobe State.

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