Numbers of Unvaccinated Children Hits 2m in Nigeria 

• Kano, Katsina, Jigawa lead with 556,750 

• UNICEF unveils “No More Zero Dose” song

Francis Sardauna in Katsina 

Miffed by the alarming rate of unvaccinated children in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a song entitled ‘No More Zero Dose’ as part of efforts to improve immunisation coverage in the country. 

The song, featured by renowned artists like Cobhams, WAJE, Master Soumy, Sekouba Bambino, Stanley Enow, Mawndoe, Spyro, Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Qing Madi, Kate Henshaw and Ali Nuhu was launched in Kano on Thursday.

The unveiling of the song, which was done simultaneously in Nigeria and across West African and Central States, was witnessed by journalists from Katsina, Kano and Jigawa States, aimed to further create awareness on the importance of immunisation.

Speaking during the event, the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Kano, Mr. Rahama Mohammed, revealed that despite the progress made in improving immunisation in Nigeria, the country is still battling with two million zero-dose children. 

He said out of the two million zero-dose children, Katsina, Kano and Jigawa States have 556,750, decrying that the affected children were at substantial risk of many vaccine preventable diseases, including polio.

The UNICEF chief of field office further explained that Kano State leads with 280,281 zero-dose children followed by Katsina with 171,491 and Jigawa State with 104,978 unvaccinated children.

Mohammed said: “For Nigeria, this song is significant because despite the progress made in improving immunisation, Nigeria continues to face challenges in getting all eligible children vaccinated. 

“For instance, across Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States, we have a total of over a half million (556,750) Zero Dose children: Kano -280,281; Katsina – 171,491; and Jigawa -104,978.”

He, however, called on the affected state governments to strengthen their healthcare systems, routine immunisation and ensure the extension of basic healthcare services to every ward.

Mohammed admonished traditional and social media, Kannywood, singers and influencers to deploy their channels and platforms effectively to ensure that the ‘No More Zero Dose’ song goes viral and is widely disseminated.