Korede Abdullah in Lagos
UNICEF Regional Director Gilles Fagninou has sounded the alarm that nearly 4.3 million children across West and Central Africa are missing essential vaccines.
This leaves them vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable diseases like polio, measles, diphtheria, and yellow fever.
Fagninou made this revelation in Lagos at the launch of the “No More Zero Dose” immunization awareness song. The song features 12 top musicians from the region.
West and Central Africa has the lowest immunization coverage globally, with DTP3 coverage at 69% in 2023, down from 72% in 2019. Recent years have seen outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Polio cases have alarmingly risen, with Africa reporting 138 cases as of October 22, 2024, nearly half of which occurred in Nigeria.
UNICEF’s “No More Zero Dose” campaign aims to inspire communities to take action and join the movement for universal immunization. Music is being utilized as a powerful force for change.
Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos governor, and UNICEF Champion Cobhams Asuquo emphasized the importance of vaccination efforts, urging parents, caregivers, and leaders to champion vaccination and protect every child’s future.
“This initiative aligns with UNICEF’s ongoing efforts to ensure every child enjoys a healthy future. Music, as a universal language, has the power to transcend barriers, connect with people emotionally, and effectively deliver essential health messages,” Sanwo-Olu said.
She called on parents, caregivers, and leaders to champion vaccination, stressing that “every dose administered is an investment in our collective future.”
