Media practitioners have called on governments at all levels to prioritize investment in vaccines to keep their people healthy and safe from preventable diseases.

The call was made during a two-day multi-zonal dialogue on the ongoing 2025 World Immunisation Week (WIW), organized by The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which promotes the theme:

“Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” held in Enugu with journalists from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Kogi, and Rivers states participating.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) attributed the ongoing rise in vaccine-preventable diseases to the lackadaisical approach of governments towards timely vaccinations and called for continued investment in immunisation initiatives.

The Chief of Field Office at UNICEF’s Enugu, Mrs.  Juliet Chiluwe characterised vaccines as one of humanity’s most significant accomplishments, highlighting that vital vaccines have saved over 154 million lives in the last 50 years.

As we approach World Immunization Week in 2025, it is crucial to emphasize the ongoing importance of this global observance. This year’s theme underscores the necessity of providing protection against vaccine-preventable diseases for all individuals, from newborns to the elderly, through inclusive and equitable immunization services.

“UNICEF takes this opportunity to reiterate that vaccines demonstrate that fewer diseases and more lives are achievable when we commit to the cause. It’s time to show the world that ‘Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” she emphasised.

Chiluwe reiterated that over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives, equating to six lives every minute, day after day, for five decades.

She called for immediate and ongoing political focus and financial support to bolster immunisation programmes and safeguard the significant advancements made in reducing child mortality over the last half-century.

The multi-zonal dialogue, co-hosted by the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, included pledges from participating journalists to monitor immunisation efforts in their respective states, especially in rural communities.

In his speech, the Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA), Francis Nwubani, emphasised that this year’s theme is intended to advance the “Humanly Possible” campaign, focusing on the crucial need for increased vaccination rates, particularly among children.