The Albino Foundation Public Notice
Immunisation stands as one of the most powerful tools in the fight against preventable diseases. Across the globe, vaccines save millions of lives each year, offering protection against deadly illnesses like polio, measles, and tetanus. However, in Nigeria, a significant portion of the population remains unprotected due to the zero-dose immunisation gap—a gap that has left millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases. Closing Nigeria’s zero-dose immunisation gap is a pressing public health priority that requires immediate attention. This issue is not just about healthcare; it is about economic prosperity, social stability, and the well-being of future generations.
Currently, Nigeria has the highest number of unvaccinated children in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated four million zero-dose children. These are children who have not received a single dose of routine vaccines, making them highly susceptible to diseases that could otherwise be prevented. A zero-dose child is one who has not received any of the basic vaccines included in the routine immunisation schedule, such as the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine for tuberculosis, polio vaccines, the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine, and the measles vaccine. In Nigeria, despite significant global efforts to increase vaccination coverage, millions of children are still missing out on these critical immunisations. This gap is particularly pronounced in remote rural areas, conflict zones and urban slums, where access to healthcare is limited or non-existent.
There are several contributing factors to this alarming gap. In many rural and isolated communities, healthcare facilities are scarce or too far for families to reach. In these areas, healthcare workers are often absent or insufficiently trained to manage the logistics of immunisation campaigns. Further exacerbating the issue is the lack of infrastructure for vaccine distribution, including cold chain systems to maintain vaccine potency. In some areas, there are also issues surrounding transportation, security, and local conflicts, all of which further complicate efforts to deliver vaccines to vulnerable populations.
Read Also: Tinubu’s vision for the livestock sector will unlock vast potential – Minister
Additionally, cultural beliefs and misinformation have played a significant role in perpetuating the immunisation gap. In certain communities, there is resistance to vaccination due to fears of vaccine side effects, or misconceptions that vaccines are harmful or unnecessary. This resistance is sometimes fuelled by rumours or false information spread via social media, creating barriers to vaccination even in areas where healthcare services are available. Furthermore, a lack of education and awareness about the importance of immunisation means that many caregivers may not fully understand the risks of not vaccinating their children.
The consequences of Nigeria’s zero-dose immunisation gap are far-reaching and tragic. Unvaccinated children are vulnerable to a range of diseases that can lead to severe illness, permanent disability, and even death. Diseases like measles, which are easily preventable through vaccination, continue to be a major health threat in Nigeria. The 2019 measles outbreak in the country, which saw thousands of cases and numerous deaths, highlighted just how dangerous the zero-dose gap can be. In addition to measles, children who are not immunised are at greater risk of contracting polio, diphtheria, and tetanus—diseases that can lead to lifelong disabilities, including paralysis. Despite the progress made globally in eradicating polio, Nigeria remains one of the few countries where the disease is still present, mainly due to pockets of unvaccinated children. This situation not only threatens the health of individual children but also creates the potential for large-scale outbreaks that can destabilise entire regions.
Beyond the immediate health implications, the economic costs of the zero-dose immunisation gap are enormous. The treatment of preventable diseases burdens the healthcare system, diverting resources away from other critical health services. Moreover, the long-term effects of diseases like polio and measles, including lifelong disabilities and reduced productivity, contribute to a cycle of poverty. Families facing the tragic consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases are often forced to bear the financial burden of treatment, further exacerbating their socio-economic challenges.
The impact extends beyond health and economics; the gap in immunisation undermines Nigeria’s broader development goals. The country is unlikely to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, education and poverty reduction unless significant progress is made in closing the immunisation gap. Immunisation is a key factor in reducing child mortality, improving educational outcomes, and enabling economic stability. Without addressing the zero-dose immunisation gap, Nigeria will continue to face barriers to achieving equitable and sustainable development. To effectively address the zero-dose immunisation gap, it is essential to first understand the root causes of this issue. One major factor is geographic inaccessibility. Nigeria’s vast size, combined with a lack of infrastructure in remote areas, makes it difficult for health services to reach rural populations. Many families living in these areas face long distances to healthcare facilities, and even when they do reach them, there may be inadequate resources or healthcare workers to provide immunisation services.
Another significant cause is weaknesses in the healthcare system. Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure is stretched thin, with a shortage of trained healthcare workers, inadequate facilities and insufficient resources for immunisation campaigns. This creates significant barriers to delivering consistent and widespread vaccination services, particularly in underserved regions. The lack of trained personnel means that even when vaccines are available, there may be insufficient knowledge about how to administer them safely and effectively. Cultural and social factors also contribute to the immunisation gap. In many communities, vaccine hesitancy is prevalent due to misinformation about vaccine safety and efficacy. Rumours, often spread through word of mouth or social media, can lead to fear and mistrust of vaccines, causing caregivers to hesitate or refuse immunisation. Furthermore, in some areas, traditional beliefs or religious practices may discourage parents from vacci nating their children, further exacerbating the problem.
Additionally, there is a lack of public awareness. Many caregivers, particularly in rural areas, may not be aware of the importance of vaccines or the availability of immunisation services. In some cases, families are simply not informed about the nearest vaccination clinics or the immunisation schedules, making it difficult for them to seek out the necessary services for their children.
Closing Nigeria’s zero-dose immunisation gap requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Several key strategies can help bridge this gap and ensure that every child is vaccinated. First, improving access to healthcare is crucial. This includes building more healthcare facilities in remote areas, investing in mobile vaccination units that can reach isolated communities, and increasing the availability of healthcare workers in underserved regions. The use of technology, such as digital mapping and data collection, can help identify unvaccinated children and guide vaccination teams to these areas. Additionally, providing transportation for healthcare workers and vaccines can help overcome the geographical barriers that currently exist.
Second, there is a need to strengthen the healthcare system as a whole. This involves ensuring that healthcare workers are adequately trained, that vaccines are available and stored properly, and that vaccination campaigns are efficiently managed. Nigeria must invest in cold chain systems to ensure that vaccines remain effective during transport and distribution, particularly in rural areas. Government funding and international aid can play a significant role in supporting these efforts. Third, tackling vaccine hesitancy through community engagement is vital. Local leaders, including religious and traditional figures, must be involved in raising awareness about the importance of vaccination. Public health campaigns that address concerns, provide accurate information and counter misinformation about vaccines are essential. Schools, places of worship, and community gatherings can be leveraged to spread this message effectively.
Additionally, strong political will is necessary to prioritise immunisation as a national health goal. The Nigerian government must allocate sufficient resources to immunisation programmes, pass relevant policies, and work with international partners such as UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Collaborative efforts at the local, national, and international levels can help mobilise resources and coordinate efforts to close the immunisation gap. Finally, innovative solutions should be explored to overcome logistical challenges. For example, the use of drones to deliver vaccines to hard-to-reach areas, or solar-powered refrigerators to store vaccines, could help address some of the infrastructure challenges.
:The Nation Online
