In a recent statement on September 25, 2024, UNICEF underscored the critical importance of immunization as an inherent right of every child in Nigeria, emphasizing its role in safeguarding against life-threatening diseases and infections. This assertion was made by Celine Lafoucriere, the Chief UNICEF Field Office for Southwest Nigeria, during the opening remarks at a two-day media dialogue focused on routine immunization held in Lagos.
The dialogue, aptly themed “A Media Dialogue to Enhance Routine Immunization and to Reduce Zero Dose Children,” brought together various stakeholders to discuss strategies to combat the alarming statistic that 2.3 million children in Nigeria remain unvaccinated. Lafoucriere highlighted the urgent need to address this issue, noting that these children, referred to as “zero-dose children,” are predominantly located in marginalized and hard-to-reach areas.
Lafoucriere stated, “Vaccination is an essential fundamental right for every child. It is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities within our society.” She further stressed that the persistent challenge of unvaccinated children must be tackled collectively, urging the media and other partners to join forces with UNICEF to elevate immunization rates across the nation.
To combat the issue of zero-dose children, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Nigerian government and various partners, has identified 100 local government areas across 18 states that exhibit the highest concentrations of unvaccinated children. The organization aims to increase the vaccination rate by 50% each year, aspiring to achieve a 30% reduction in zero-dose children by the year 2025.
Lafoucriere made a heartfelt appeal to the media, emphasizing the significant influence they wield in shaping public perception and action. “Your role is pivotal in catalyzing action and dispelling myths surrounding vaccines,” she stated. “Together, we can build a resilient health system that reaches every child, ensuring that no one is left behind. It is imperative that we work towards a future where no child in Nigeria suffers from preventable diseases.”
Also contributing to the dialogue, Dr. Adeniyi Adebayo, the Assistant Immunisation Programme Officer at the Local Government Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), reinforced the necessity of comprehensive immunization for all children. He explained that zero-dose children are those who have not received any vaccinations from birth, making them particularly vulnerable to diseases and infections. Adebayo further clarified that under-immunized children are those who have not completed their vaccination schedules.
Highlighting the economic implications of immunization, Adebayo remarked that vaccines are foundational to the nation’s economic development. He urged parents to take full advantage of the free vaccination services available, ensuring that their children are immunized from birth to protect them against preventable diseases.
Despite the urgent need for vaccination, Adebayo acknowledged the infrastructural deficits that hinder immunization efforts in certain regions of the country. These challenges underscore the importance of collective action and resource investment to enhance immunization coverage and ensure that every child’s right to health is upheld.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the issue of unvaccinated children, the commitment of organizations like UNICEF, along with the collaboration of the media and health authorities, will be vital in driving the necessary changes to improve public health outcomes and secure a healthier future for the nation’s children.
