In a renewed effort to address the alarming rate of zero-dose children in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced a partnership with the Federal Government to prioritize routine immunization in 100 local governments across 18 states.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that this collaboration is focused on reducing the number of unvaccinated children and increasing vaccination uptake by 15 percent annually, with the goal of reaching 30 percent more vaccinated children by 2025.
Speaking at a two-day media dialogue held in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board , Chief of UNICEF Field Office for the Southwest, Celine Lafoucriere, disclosed that over 2.3 million Nigerian children, particularly in hard-to-reach and marginalized areas, have yet to receive any form of vaccination.
Lafoucriere lamented the severe impact this lack of immunization has on child mortality rates and health outcomes in Nigeria, stating that urgent and concerted efforts are required to close this gap.
“These children, whom we call zero-dose children, are still at risk of preventable diseases. We must ensure that vaccines, a fundamental right to every child, reach them regardless of where they live.
“Together with the government, UNICEF has prioritized 100 local government areas across 18 states to address this issue,” Lafoucriere explained.
The UNICEF representative called on media professionals to play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of vaccines.
Lafoucriere emphasized that media outlets have the power to dispel harmful rumors and misinformation surrounding immunization, which has contributed to low uptake rates in many parts of the country.
“Your influence is essential. You can help catalyze action, dispel rumors, and share successes.
“By working collectively, we can build a resilient health system capable of reaching every child, leaving no one behind. No child in Nigeria should suffer from preventable diseases,” she added.
During the dialogue, UNICEF experts and officials from the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board also urged the government to invest more in the health sector to bridge the funding gap for immunization programs.
UNICEF’s Social Behaviour Change Communication Specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, highlighted that Nigeria’s low immunization coverage is a major contributor to the country’s high child mortality rate.
According to Akinola-Akinwole, several challenges hinder routine immunization efforts in the country, including cultural barriers, limited access to healthcare facilities, inadequate funding, and widespread rumors about vaccines.
She stressed the need for governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward achieving universal immunization coverage to save millions of lives.
Echoing the urgency for full immunization, Adeniji Adebayo, Assistant Immunisation Programme Officer for the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, announced the state’s readiness to vaccinate 21 million residents—representing 85 percent of the population—against Yellow fever.
The vaccination campaign is scheduled to take place between October 17 and November 2, 2024, with 14,000 health workers set to be deployed to ensure the smooth execution of the exercise.
“We encourage parents to seize this opportunity provided by the state government to protect their children from preventable diseases.
“Full immunization is crucial for the well-being of our communities,” Adebayo urged.
“The partnership between UNICEF and the Nigerian government is part of a broader strategy to improve child health outcomes and ensure that no child is left behind, especially in underserved regions.
“By 2025, the target is to achieve a 30 percent increase in immunization coverage, setting the foundation for a healthier and more resilient future for Nigeria’s children.”
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