Immunization Crisis in Northern States
The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, revealed that more than 800,000 children in six northern states, namely Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto, lack access to routine immunization. Banditry and other security challenges in these regions have hindered or prevented the delivery of essential vaccines to these vulnerable children.
Turning Point for Vaccination
A strategic meeting was held in Sokoto with traditional leaders from inaccessible communities in the six states. The meeting aimed to address the critical issue of providing vaccination against preventable diseases to children in these areas. Dr. Shuaib emphasized the importance of reaching children for immunization to curb the transmission of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cvpv2), which is currently spreading in some parts of the country.
Collaboration for Health Service Delivery
The meeting was organized by the Sultan Foundation of Peace and Development in partnership with NPHCDA. Dr. Shuaib urged the traditional leaders to advocate for regular immunization and other primary healthcare services in their communities. The UNICEF country representative, Cristian Munduate, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to providing technical support and millions of vaccine doses to Nigeria for effective health service delivery.