The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said Nigeria still has over 2.1 million zero-dose children who are yet to receive any form of vaccination.
At a two-day engagement meeting in Abuja, organized by the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development with support from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo emphasized the need for the federal government to nurture and sustain its collaboration with traditional institutions.
He said “Your continued advocacy is crucial in reducing immunity gaps, supporting efforts to lower maternal and under-five mortality rates, decreasing disease incidence, and improving overall well-being. This aligns with the Government’s renewed commitment through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII).”
Dr. Mulombo highlighted the challenges faced in the healthcare system, noting, “Many pregnant women still do not deliver in health facilities, and there are currently 2.1 million zero-dose children in Nigeria, according to the WUNEIC 2024 report.”
He urged traditional and religious leaders to promote increased uptake of antenatal services and health facility deliveries, as well as support the ongoing zero-dose mapping and immunization recovery efforts through the planned Big Catch-Up Campaign.
