Ogun set to begin zero-dose vaccination campaign
Ogun State Launches Statewide Zero-Dose Vaccination Campaign
The Ogun State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Republic of Korea, has announced plans to initiate a zero-dose vaccination campaign aimed at unimmunized and under-immunized children in various communities. The campaign is set to begin immediately and will run through December.
This initiative is part of the ROK-UNICEF immunization strengthening program and seeks to enhance routine immunization coverage while bolstering primary healthcare systems in the region.
During an orientation meeting held at Oke-Mosan on Thursday, Elijah Ogunsola, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board, emphasized that the program represents a strategic effort to improve child healthcare outcomes in the state. He expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly UNICEF, for their ongoing support in enhancing immunization efforts.
Ogunsola noted that the campaign aims to ensure that children aged zero to 23 months receive essential vaccines. The outreach will target specific local government areas and underserved communities where vaccination rates are low. It will involve collaborative efforts among health workers, development partners, and community mobilizers.
He underlined the necessity for commitment from all stakeholders and expressed optimism that the program could significantly increase immunization coverage and reduce the number of zero-dose children if implemented effectively.
Micheal Oyediji, a UNICEF Local Vaccine Consultant, praised health workers and other stakeholders for their dedication to increasing immunization coverage. He described the initiative as vital for strengthening community health systems and ensuring access to vaccines for vulnerable children.
Oyediji revealed that the ROK-UNICEF project will enhance selected health facilities, integrate regular outreach programs, and fortify monitoring systems. It will also prioritize Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, improve cold chain infrastructure, and facilitate community mobilization to ensure that no eligible child is left unvaccinated.
At the official launch of the zero-dose initiative in Lagos, Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, stated that the intervention would strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, enhance routine immunization efforts, and restore public trust in healthcare services, especially at the grassroots level. She highlighted that addressing the needs of zero-dose children remains a key national priority, emphasizing the importance of healthy children for human capital development and social stability.
Lee Sang Ho, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, remarked that the high number of unvaccinated children in Nigeria poses a significant threat to global health. He reaffirmed Korea’s investment in the initiative under the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator framework. Lee classified immunization as a crucial aspect of national development and urged mothers, community leaders, and healthcare workers to fully support the campaign, ensuring that barriers such as distance and socio-cultural factors do not prevent children from receiving necessary vaccinations.
