In a bid to address the growing challenge of unvaccinated children, the U.S CDC Nigeria partners with local stakeholders to ensure every child receives vital immunizations.
At a media round-table held in Abuja on Wednesday, the U.S CDC Nigeria unveiled plans to support the Federal Government in identifying and vaccinating children who have not received a single dose of any vaccine as per the routine national immunisation schedule.
These children, known as zero-dose children, represent a significant challenge in the fight against preventable illnesses, as they remain vulnerable to a range of dangerous diseases due to lack of immunization.
“Vaccines save lives and are one of the most impactful interventions in preventing illnesses and deaths in the history of public health,” stated Dr. Hadley Ikwe, Senior Immunisation Specialist at the Global Immunisation Division, Global Health Center, U.S CDC.
Dr. Ikwe emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue of zero-dose children, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated global vaccine coverage gaps.
According to Dr. Ikwe, Nigeria bears a heavy burden in terms of zero-dose children, with over 2.3 million children in the country falling into this category. He underscored the critical importance of vaccination in reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and protecting communities from epidemics of vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Zero-dose children are susceptible to many diseases, and the introduction and spread of disease within a community can lead to epidemics,” explained Dr. Ikwe. He highlighted Nigeria’s vaccination programme’s efforts to target high-burden local government areas and strengthen primary healthcare centres to reach these vulnerable children effectively.
Dr. Patricia Tanifum, Program Director of U.S CDC Nigeria, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to reach zero-dose children. “Many children missed out on immunisation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Tanifum. “We are working closely with the government to bridge this gap and ensure that every child receives the necessary vaccinations.”
In addition to governmental support, private sector entities such as the Sydani Group have pledged their commitment to the cause. Sidney Sampson, CEO of Sydani Group, emphasized the importance of reaching every child with life-saving vaccines, highlighting the collective responsibility to ensure no child is left behind.
“This initiative is about the Nigerian child and our collective responsibility to safeguard their health,” stated Sampson. “We are proud to partner with the U.S CDC in their efforts to reach zero-dose children and ensure that every child receives the immunizations they need to thrive.”