Yola: The Republic of Korea (ROK), in collaboration with the Nigerian Government and UNICEF, is actively supporting the Adamawa government in its efforts to enhance routine immunisation and tackle the issue of unvaccinated children within the state. This was disclosed by Mr. Patrick Akor, Health Officer at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, during a briefing in Yola on the ROK/UNICEF Zero-Dose Project.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Republic of Korea evaluated the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health sector and initiated a support system aimed at restoring essential health services. This intervention is designed to bolster healthcare systems by reinforcing routine immunisation in selected states, focusing on children who have not received their initial vaccine dose.
The project in Adamawa aims to reach zero-dose children, who are over 11 months old and have not yet been vaccinated. It also targets under-vaccinated children who have not completed their recommended immunisation schedule, especially in areas affected by insecurity. Implementation spans nine Local Government Areas (LGAs), 96 wards, and 200 health facilities across the state.
The initiative employs various strategies to enhance health outcomes in underserved and low-performing communities. It prioritises vaccine delivery and strengthening routine immunisation services in vulnerable areas, ensuring vaccine availability, enhancing health workers’ capabilities, and promoting precise data collection and reporting.
The project also supports investigations and responses to disease outbreaks, including cholera and measles. Community mobilisation and awareness creation through traditional and religious leaders are crucial components of the initiative.
Mr. Umar Bahuli, the state’s Immunisation Officer, highlighted the improvement in vaccination coverage in low-performing areas due to the programme. As of the last monthly review, the project had reached 1,212 previously unvaccinated children aged 12 to 59 months. The intervention integrates immunisation with other health services, such as malnutrition screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls aged nine to 14 years.
According to him, the nine-month project is facilitating the mobilisation of eligible children and strengthening routine immunisation across the state. Mr. Mohammed Goni, Local Immunisation Officer, praised development partners for their support since the project’s inception, noting that the state has maintained adequate vaccine supplies, preventing stock-outs at ward and facility levels.
Goni identified community mobilisation and awareness creation as initial challenges, particularly during the pilot phase of the HPV vaccination. However, sustained sensitisation campaigns have improved acceptance and compliance among parents and caregivers. Community dialogues, advocacy visits, and engagement with civil society organisations have significantly contributed to the project’s success.
Initiatives such as ‘Fathers for Good Health’ and ‘Mama-to-Mama’ groups have facilitated the identification and tracking of children who missed vaccination. Increased awareness in remote and hard-to-reach communities has resulted in improved turnout at health facilities for immunisation services.