By Muhammad Amaan
The Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB) said the Community of Practice (CoP) has achieved a 50% reduction in zero-dose in the state.
Executive Secretary of BSPHCDB, Professor Mohammed Arab Alhaji, who disclosed this, attributed the milestoneto collaborative efforts and intensified immunization campaigns.
Represented by Dr. Mala Abdulwahab, on Friday, Prof. Arab disclosed that there has been a 50% reduction in zero-dose children in Borno State,
The Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH), an initiative focused on improving immunization coverage among infants and young children, held its quarterly review meeting in Maiduguri to assess progress and strengthen strategies.
The meeting, under CoP’s Immunization Budget Tracking, Accountability, and Sustainability framework, aimed to improve operations and target zero-dose children and missed communities.
Held at Amada International Hotels, the event featured the presentation of ZDLH’s 2023 and 2024 scorecard and plans for the 2025 assessment.
Participants also reviewed engagement strategies with religious and community leaders designed to increase vaccine acceptance and reduce resistance.
The meeting included a media partnership session to explore how journalists can support immunization advocacy and raise public awareness.
According to Dr. Adamu Alhassan, a CoP official, the media remains “a key driver” in addressing vaccine hesitancy in local communities.
He noted that resistance to vaccination continues to hinder progress, and strong media advocacy is critical to breaking misinformation and building trust.
A panel discussion brought together media stakeholders and CoP members to address challenges, strengthen collaboration, and chart a way forward.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Chapter, Abdulkareem Haruna, praised CoP’s efforts in improving healthcare delivery and significantly reducing the number of zero-dose children.
He reaffirmed NUJ’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives and called for deeper collaboration between the media and CoP.
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that Healthcare practitioners, development partners, and other stakeholders also contributed to the discussions.
