ADDRESSING THE ZERO-DOSE CRISIS: UNICEF Calls For Media Support To Protect Vulnerable Nigerian Children

Ensuring children receive vaccines is crucial for a healthy population and reduces healthcare costs for both families and the system. In Nigeria, media professionals are being called upon to use their influence to support stakeholders in strengthening the healthcare system through increased awareness of immunization.

Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for Southwest Nigeria, emphasized this during a two-day media dialogue focused on achieving health sector Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for over two million at-risk children in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, which was organized by UNICEF in partnership with the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Lafoucriere expressed concern over the 2.3 million Nigerian children who have not received any vaccines. She urged media professionals from Southwest Nigeria and Edo State to use their platforms to drive action and share successful initiatives.

“Your influence is very important. You can catalyze actions and share successes with us. By working collectively, we can build a resilient healthcare system that is capable of reaching every child, leaving no one behind, no matter where they live, to ensure that no child in Nigeria suffers from preventable diseases,” Lafoucriere stated.

She highlighted that these zero-dose children often reside in marginalized and hard-to-reach areas, making vaccines essential for their health and well-being. Lafoucriere underscored the importance of vaccines as a fundamental right for every child, crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities.

To address this issue, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Nigerian government and other partners, has identified 100 local government areas across 18 states with the highest concentration of zero-dose children. “They need us right now, and in collaboration with you, we must join hands to accelerate the rate of immunization in Nigeria. Our goal is simple: increase the rate of vaccinated children by 15 percent annually, aiming to reach 30 percent more vaccinated children by 2025,” she added.

Dr. Matthew Akinpelu from the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board reaffirmed the importance of vaccination as the most effective disease prevention method, noting its role in reducing financial burdens on healthcare systems and families. “Vaccination is the first step in disease prevention before considering other lifestyle changes and treatments. It is one of the best ways a state can provide protection for its citizens,” Akinpelu stated.

He reiterated Lagos State’s goal to ensure every child is vaccinated, aiming for a minimum 90% coverage of the population. Akinpelu also announced a statewide campaign starting on October 19th to address immunity gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This campaign will focus on vaccinating children against measles and yellow fever and providing HPV vaccines to girls, targeting children aged 9 to 59 months.

UNICEF’s collaborative efforts have been instrumental in advocating for healthcare interventions, especially vaccinations, to protect Nigerian children from preventable diseases.