UNICEF, govt partner on immunisation in 18 states

*Moves to close gap for 2.3m unvaccinated children
*Lagos begins mass immunisation October 19

In its efforts to close the gap of 2.3 million unvaccinated children, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is collaborating with the government to prioritise immunisation in 18 states with the highest concentration of zero-dose.
 Chief UNICEF Field Office for the Southwest, Celine Lafoucriere, who disclosed this at a two-day media dialogue on routine immunisation organised by the agency in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB), lamented that over 2.3 million children in Nigeria, mostly in hard-to-reach areas, are at risk of death due to a lack of immunisation against vaccine preventable diseases.

To address this, the UNICEF chief said the agency is working with the governments and partners to achieve 15 per cent immunisation at the 100 prioritised local government areas across 18 states with the highest concentration of zero-dose children, adding that by 2025, about 30 per cent would be added to the reduction.

She solicited the support of the media in raising awareness about the importance of vaccines, misconceptions, and vaccine uptake through their reports.

While stressing the urgency of the situation, Lafoucriere noted that many of children have not received any vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to deadly, but preventable diseases. However, she expressed optimism that these children could still be saved.

To tackle this, Lafoucriere said UNICEF is working with governments and partners to achieve 15 per cent immunisation at the 100 prioritised local government areas across 18 states, with the highest concentration of zero dose children.

They are mostly in marginalised and hard-to-reach areas and vaccination remains very essential to their health.”

While soliciting stakeholders support in accelerating the rate of immunisation in Nigeria, Lafoucriere said the agency would ensure that it increases the rate of vaccinating children by 50 per cent.
She also solicited media support in the immunisation campaign, noting that through collaboration, “we can build a resilient health system capable of reaching every child.”

Already, the Lagos State government is set to embark on a massive immunisation of 21 million persons against measles, yellow fever, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Immunisation Programme Coordinator in Lagos State Public Health
Board, Dr. Adetona Akinpelu, emphasised the vital role UNICEF plays in supporting the immunisation campaign.

He announced plans by the Lagos State government to vaccinate about 21 million residents representing 85 per cent of the state population from nine years against yellow fever.

Akinpelu said the exercise would be conducted between October 19 and November 2, with over 16,000 health workers to ensure hitch-free vaccination.

“This state-wide campaign faces a challenge in meeting its personnel requirement for the campaign. Akinpelu highlighted that cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women in Nigeria, with over 100,000 deaths recorded annually.

He described the HPV vaccine as the first line of defense in combating this deadly disease, urging parents to ensure their daughters, especially those aged 9 and above, receive the vaccine.

“This is a unique opportunity for Lagos and Nigeria as a whole to benefit from the HPV vaccine, which has proven effective in reducing cervical cancer incidence in countries where it is routinely administered,” Akinpelu explained.

Although he noted that Lagos has maintained good immunisation coverage despite its growing population, Akinpelu said challenges remain in reaching newcomers and ensuring they are vaccinated.

“We conduct weekend vaccinations, weekday outreaches, and target hard-to-reach areas to make sure no child is left behind,” he explained. The goal, he stressed, is to achieve 90 per cent coverage and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.