By Muhammad Amaan
The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has called for the full implementation of immunisation of children in Borno state, Northeast Nigeria.
UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Dr Gerida Birukila, stated this in an engagement with newsmen in commemoration of the World Polio Day on Thursday.
The recent challenges such as flooding, displacements, and years of insecurity have seriously disrupted vaccination schedules in Borno state.
Birukila said full implementation of immunisation would address the existing gap between children in Borno and other states.
He highlighted the difficulties in ensuring routine immunisation access in the region, saying it’s crucial that all children are fully immunised against diseases from birth.
“These vaccines protect them from life-threatening infections,” she said.
Birukila acknowledged the support of the Borno state government and other development partners in addressing the challenges through outreach programmes in camps and clinics that remain operational.
“We are conducting outreach campaigns to ensure children in displaced persons camps and accessible areas receive necessary vaccinations.
“Despite these efforts, there is a growing concern over the increasing number of zero-dose children who have not received any vaccination.
“In Nigeria, only 28.5 per cent of children are fully vaccinated, leaving around 68 per cent unprotected.
“In Borno State, this figure is even lower due to challenges such as cultural beliefs, lack of information, and logistical hurdles,” Birukila said.
She urged communities to overcome vaccine hesitancy and stressed the need for concerted efforts to increase immunisation coverage.
“We need at least 85 per cent of children to be vaccinated to achieve the necessary herd immunity.
“Parents must ensure their children are vaccinated to reduce the risk of diseases and death,” Birukila said.
