UNICEF reports 71% of Borno children remain unvaccinated against polio

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that approximately 71.5% of children in Borno State have not received complete vaccination against polio.

Dr. Gerida Birukila, the Chief of UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office, made this announcement on Thursday during the launch of the #No More Zero-Dose song, part of the activities for World Polio Day 2024 in Maiduguri.

Birukila noted that Borno has only achieved a 28.5% rate of fully vaccinated children with essential antigens.

“While Borno State recorded 28.5% of fully vaccinated children with basic antigens, 21.2% of children have reported to have no vaccination according to NDHS 2023 data. We need at least 85% of children to be vaccinated, but now we have just around 28% who are fully immunised in Borno State,” she explained.

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She also identified several local government areas with high rates of zero-dose children, including MMC, Mafa, Konduga, Jere, Gubio, Monguno, Ngala, and Damboa.

To further the campaign for mandatory vaccinations, UNICEF launched a song titled “No More Zero-Dose,” featuring prominent artists such as Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Timi Dakolo, and others. Birukila emphasized that the song aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children from polio, measles, tetanus, and other serious infections.

“With a version of the song in Hausa, voiced by respected thespian Ali Nuhu, we believe the song will boost vaccination rates in the Northeast region and become a popular anthem,” she added.

Additionally, Birukila highlighted UNICEF’s efforts in advocating for increased government funding for health and immunization initiatives. “We have worked with the government and partners for targeted Zero-Dose intervention, which is ongoing across prioritized local government areas,” she stated.

She also mentioned that UNICEF has facilitated community engagement with traditional and religious leaders, ensuring that vaccines are available in all 27 local government areas of Borno, with no stockouts recorded at the local government level for any vaccines.

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