UNICEF has raised an alarm over critical gaps in childhood immunization in Nigeria, revealing that approximately 2.3 million children, including 22,000 in Bauchi State alone, have missed vital “zero-dose” vaccines.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Bauchi State Ministry of Health, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, stressed that ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus serve as a stark reminder that the mission to eradicate all forms of polio is far from over.
She stressed that local and international commitment is essential to protect Nigeria’s children from the irreversible consequences of the disease.
While Bauchi has remained free of the wild poliovirus since 2013, the persistence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) remains a concern, with four cases in 2024 contributing to a national total of 73 cases.
Rafique highlighted UNICEF’s role in supporting polio eradication in Bauchi for over two decades, including funding for vaccine logistics and supporting campaigns such as Immunization Plus Days (IPDs).
She noted that in 2024 alone, UNICEF has facilitated three statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaigns and two local responses targeting four specific local government areas.
To further raise awareness, she revealed that UNICEF is set to release a new song in partnership with prominent Nigerian musicians, aiming to encourage immunization and highlight the need to reach zero-dose children.
“Together, we can make a difference in this fight against polio,” Rafique stated, urging community leaders and families to rally behind vaccination efforts.
Also speaking, Dr. Mustapha Mai’Iyali, WHO Coordinator in Bauchi, emphasized the importance of acknowledging polio survivors.
Events marking World Polio Day included a Polio Walk spanning key city landmarks and ending at the Emir of Bauchi’s Palace, symbolizing collective resolve in the fight against polio.
The recent global decline in immunization rates has exacerbated the risk of polio resurgence, even in countries previously declared polio-free.
Rafique expressed concern that the decrease in vaccine coverage could reverse decades of progress.
She noted that this year’s World Polio Day serves as a crucial reminder of the sustained effort required to fully eradicate polio in Nigeria and safeguard future generations from preventable diseases.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has launched the framework for the federal government’s ambitious “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” a nationwide program aimed at addressing malnutrition and food insecurity across all 774 local government areas (LGAs) of the country.
Speaking at a roundtable with development partners on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, VP Shettima emphasized that the initiative is a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision of ensuring food security and promoting a healthy populace.
The “Nutrition 774 Initiative” is designed to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges by improving nutritional outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
