Korede Abdullah in Lagos
Despite insecurity in Benue State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pledged that its vaccination efforts will not be hindered.
Health Specialist at UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anayo, stated during a Media Dialogue via Zoom that contingency plans are in place to reach newly displaced persons with vital health interventions.
“The geographical spread of the displaced persons is quite vast, but we have contingency plans in place to reach them and ensure impactful interventions,” she said.
Anayo, who noted the overwhelming needs at the 11 IDP camps where UNICEF is active, emphasized, “The government must step in and play its role in various areas,” citing funding constraints, misinformation, insecurity, and vast geography as major barriers.
Meanwhile, her colleague, Dr. Olusoji Akinyele, stressed the impact of vaccines, saying, “Vaccination has reduced the infant mortality rate by 40 percent.”
In Bauchi State, UNICEF, in collaboration with the state government, has mobilized traditional rulers to boost polio vaccination uptake ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique praised the Emirs for their involvement: “It is a welcome development to see our royal fathers taking up leadership roles in guiding our communities to do the right thing.”
Represented by Eki George, Rafique reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible child receives the polio vaccine.
Traditional leaders, including the Emir of Dass, Usman Bilyaminu, expressed dedication to reaching resistant communities, saying, “There are many communities known for non-compliance,” but collaboration with religious leaders has begun to change the narrative.
“Even those Imams who were previously skeptical are now on board — one even carried out a symbolic vaccination of children,” Bilyaminu shared.
Further demonstrating strong leadership, the Emir of Ningi, Haruna Danyaya, who oversees the Gadar Maiwa community, pledged to personally oversee vaccination efforts in non-compliant areas.
He issued a stern warning, declaring, “Anyone found obstructing vaccination efforts would face sanctions.” Danyaya emphasized the long-standing commitment to public health, stating, “Ensuring the health of our people is non-negotiable — it is a must, and everyone must be committed.”
Across the board, UNICEF officials and traditional rulers called for continued collaboration to meet the theme of the 2025 World Immunisation Week: “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” highlighting the indispensable role of vaccination in saving lives and ensuring a healthier future for all.
