As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s World Polio Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concerns that despite the successes recorded in the fight against polio, about 2.3 million children in Nigeria have not received routine immunisation.
The agency, in its renewed move to increase awareness on immunisation used this year’s event to launch a song entitled, ‘No more zero dose.’
The initiative is aimed at addressing the alarmingly low vaccination rates in the region and protect children from preventable diseases like polio, measles, and others.
The song featured renowned West and Central African Music Stars and Celebrities, including Cobhams Asuquo, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Master Soumy, Mawndoe, and Waje. Others include Omawumi, Qing Madi, Sekouba Bambino, Spyro, Stanley Enow, and Timi Dakolo.
Speaking at the event in Lagos, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, lamented that under-vaccination remains a pressing issue.
According to Munduate, this project is a call to action, especially for Nigeria, with eight of the featured artists from the country.
“The release of the “No More Zero Dose” song featuring 12 talented artists from across West and Central Africa, eight of whom are from Nigeria, reflects the deep commitment to ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines.
“Music is a powerful tool for change, and through this collaboration, we are amplifying the message that no child should be left behind, when it has to do with life-saving vaccines,” she added.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the collaboration between the state and global partners like UNICEF has been pivotal in ensuring that every child is protected from preventable diseases.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on health, Dr. Olukemi Ogunyemi, noted that immunisation was not just a health issue, but a matter of social justice and equity.
He assured of the administration’s commitment to strengthen its healthcare system, invest in community outreach, health education and partnership that ensures no child is left behind.
On her part, wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged stakeholders to strengthen primary health care systems and expand immunisation coverage.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past victories over polio, Mrs Sanwo-Olu cautioned against complacency, especially in the light of disruptions caused by COVID-19 that led to a rise in ‘zero-dose’ children.
“We must not deceive ourselves with the notion that our mission is accomplished. We owe it to our children to continue pressing forward until every child is protected,” she stressed
Similarly, UNICEF’s regional representative for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, said every child deserves a healthy start in life.
Fagninou added that every child has a right to life-saving vaccines that could protect them from preventable diseases, hence the passion to inspire action and awareness through music.
He said: “We are immensely proud of this collaboration that have brought together voices of talented musicians and UNICEF ambassadors to advocate for complete immunisation coverage.
“Music is universal, transcends borders, goes beyond languages, breaks barriers, and it speaks about our emotions through the no more zero song.
“The music has amplified a message that is critical to the well being of children across the region. We need more action.”
On his part, Asuquo urged the people to join the movement in the fight against preventable diseases, such as polio.
According to him, together, we have the power to protect every child’s future and eradicate these diseases for good, join us in this mission let’s spread hope and health across Africa.
“Let us work to ensure that every child receives the vital vaccine they deserve, protecting their future and our world.
Also, a Paralympian, and victim of polio, Victoria Nneji, urged parents to prioritise the immunisation of their children.
“Let us work together to spread awareness support to health workers, when we do something collectively, collaborate, and I think more countries and regions in Africa need to do this if we really, really want to kick out polio and other preventable diseases.”
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