UNICEF, Korea Launch Drive to Reach Nigeria’s Zero-dose Children Nationwide
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria -The United Nations Children’s Fund, in partnership with the Republic of Korea, launches a major immunisation campaign targeting Nigeria’s estimated 2.2 million zero-dose children.
The initiative, flagged off in Badagry, Lagos, seeks to close persistent gaps in vaccine access, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative Wafaa Saeed describes the programme as both urgent and transformative.
“This is more than a launch… it is a shared commitment to every child’s right to lifesaving vaccines,” she says.
She notes that zero-dose children—those who have not received any routine vaccines—are often concentrated in fragile urban settlements and border communities.
“These are real children… affected by challenges of access, equity and service reach,” she adds.
The Korean government commits $70m globally to the initiative, with $5.6m earmarked for Nigeria.
Consul General Lee Sang Ho says the programme will target 40 local government areas across six states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Lagos Health Commissioner Akin Abayomi says the intervention aligns with the state’s inclusive healthcare agenda.
“We are committed to ensuring every child has equitable access to immunisation,” he says.
Stakeholders emphasise sustained collaboration as critical to achieving universal vaccine coverage.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Otamere Gladness 