By Ahmed Liman Kingimi
In a bid to commemorate World Polio Day 2024, the Chief of Maiduguri Field Office for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Gerida Birukila, has unveiled a new song titled “No More Zero-Dose” aimed at raising awareness on the importance of routine immunization for newborns and children under five.
The song, produced by UNICEF, was officially released at the UNICEF office in Maiduguri, featuring a lineup of Nigerian and international celebrities including Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Cobhams, Spyro, and Omawumi. The initiative seeks to emphasize the critical role of vaccination in safeguarding children from diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus.
During the launch event in Maiduguri, Dr. Birukila highlighted the significance of the campaign, stressing the pivotal role of routine immunization in promoting the health and future prospects of children in northeastern Nigeria. She expressed optimism that the Hausa version of the song, voiced by renowned actor Ali Nuhu, would resonate with local communities and become a rallying anthem for vaccination efforts.
Addressing the issue of zero-dose children, who have not received any routine immunization, Dr. Birukila shed light on the challenges faced by communities in hard-to-reach areas, including shortages of healthcare workers, limited vaccine availability, and cultural barriers. Notably, she revealed that 21.2 percent of children in Borno State have not received any vaccinations, as per the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023.
Identifying eight local government areas in Borno State as zero-dose zones, UNICEF is implementing targeted interventions to enhance immunization coverage in these communities. The organization has been actively advocating for increased funding and support for health and immunization services in collaboration with the Borno State Government.
Dr. Birukila emphasized the necessity of bolstering the healthcare system by ensuring consistent vaccine supply chains, enhancing the capacity of health workers, fostering community engagement, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. She urged stakeholders to prioritize government investment in healthcare, expand human resources for immunization, fortify data systems, and facilitate healthcare access in security-challenged regions.
The “No More Zero-Dose” campaign forms part of UNICEF’s ongoing commitment to eradicating polio and combating life-threatening diseases, particularly in the northeast region of Nigeria, where a high prevalence of unvaccinated children persists.
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