Yobe, UNICEF target under-five, zero-dose children in new immunisation exercise

UNICEF has begun a fresh round of immunisation across Yobe State, targeting under-five and zero-dose children in a renewed push to reduce child morbidity and stop diseases that continue to threaten young lives.

Speaking in Damaturu on Wednesday, Dr Ernest Okoli, UNICEF State Team Lead, said data from the DHS platform shows pockets of communities, including Nguru, Gashua, Potiskum and other LGAs, where children have either missed their vaccines or dropped out entirely, making them the focus of this new phase.

He stressed that the campaign is crucial in preventing illnesses such as polio and tuberculosis, noting that vaccines remain one of the simplest and most effective life-saving tools available to families.

“We aim to immunise all eligible children. This exercise is aimed at reducing child morbidity and preventing diseases which can be avoided through vaccination,” he said.

Okoli said the exercise provides an opportunity to deliver other primary healthcare services in an integrated manner, especially in communities where mothers and children have limited access to basic healthcare.

He described the challenges faced in rural settlements where misconceptions and misinformation still hinder vaccine acceptance. According to him, this is why UNICEF continues to work closely with traditional rulers, community influencers, health workers and established engagement platforms to rebuild trust and increase uptake.

“We try to address misconceptions using traditional rulers and influencers in the communities, and also through health workers and community engagement platforms,” he said.

The campaign, he noted, will last for one week, followed by mop-up days to reach missed settlements and ensure that no eligible child is excluded.

“We are targeting all children without any exclusion. The exercise usually lasts for about a week, then we have mop-up days in case we cannot cover every angle or settlement,” he said.

With the rollout expected next week, Okoli said preparations are already in top gear, particularly in ensuring that vaccines reach the last mile and remain available at all designated points.

“They have tried to ensure that the vaccines are available everywhere you go, and the community platforms will help sensitise the people so we reduce non-compliance and non-acceptance,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Yobe State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Umar Chiroma, reaffirmed that the state will continue to work side by side with UNICEF toward eradicating child killer diseases, stressing that the success of the polio vaccination programme depends on collaboration and collective commitment to protecting children.

He commended UNICEF for its sustained efforts in improving the health and well-being of children in Yobe State.

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