The Federal Government of Nigeria is working to eliminate the zero-dose child crisis by partnering with traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria. The goal is to provide essential vaccinations and healthcare to millions of children currently missing out on these services.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, spoke at the Quarterly Review Meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care. He explained that while vaccines are generally available, factors like insecurity, vaccine hesitancy, and migration make it difficult to reach vulnerable populations.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has pledged approximately $500 million to support Nigerian immunization initiatives from 2026 to 2030. Despite this support, Minister Pate emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to increase domestic health investment to achieve long-term sustainability. Dr. Muyi Aina of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency reported notable progress in vaccine coverage rates, though he acknowledged that security issues still hinder advancement in some regions.
Dr. Pavel Ursu, representing the World Health Organization, noted that 2.1 million children in Nigeria have received no vaccinations at all. In the North-West, full coverage is significantly lower than the national average. Leaders including the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto, reaffirmed the dedication of traditional institutions to prioritize polio eradication and improve community health awareness.
