Immunisation Campaign: Gates Foundation, others target two million unreached children

Immunisation Campaign: Gates Foundation, others target two million unreached children

By: Michael Mike

The Gates Foundation Nigeria has again called for coordinated efforts between government and stakeholders to ensure over two million unvaccinated children in nigeria, is reached, vaccinated and protected.

This call comes on the heels of the national immunisation campaign kicks-off in Abuja,

Nigeria’s first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, flagged-off the national integrated Measles-Rubella and Polio Immunisation campaign at the presidential villa on Monday.

The national campaign aims to scale the uptake of routine immunisation across the country which currently stands at about 60 percent.

Deputy Director, Immunisation and Disease Control at the Gates Foundation, Yusuf Yusufari in his remarks at the flag-off reiterated the commitment of the foundation in ensuring no child is lost to preventable disease.

Yusufari said: “Nigeria became a global exemplar in what can be achieved to protect the lives of young girls from cervical cancer, and today, like we did two years ago, we stand united behind one goal: that no child (and woman) in Nigeria should be left unprotected (to die) from preventable diseases.

“This is the No. 1 goal—an ambitious goal that Mr. Bill Gates set when he announced his generous gift of $200 billion in the next 20 years.”

It will be noted that the Gates Foundation has been instrumental in the spread of the polio vaccine in Nigeria at a time when the country was formerly ranked highest among countries with polio-related cases.

Yusufari noted that Nigeria’s immunisation journey is a true story of resilience and praised the wild polio free certification describing it as a global success story.

Speaking on the new immunisation campaign being supported by the Foundation, Yusufari said:“New vaccines have been added, including pneumococcal, rotavirus, HPV and now the measles-rubella vaccine – a landmark step to prevent two deadly diseases at once.”

Speaking on the unvaccinated or zero dose children, Yusufari insisted that the gap must be closed.

“These children are completely unprotected. And too many continue to be missed, fueling outbreaks of measles and the spread of the circulating variant polio virus type 2. This is the urgent gap we must close, Yusufari said.”

The national campaign is expected to be the largest in Nigeria’s history, which aims to reach 106 million children across all 36 states and the FCT.

“The campaign will reach 21 states, and children will receive both measles-rubella and polio vaccines in one visit. Also in four states, families will receive malaria nets, deworming tablets, or other essential services alongside vaccines.”

“This integrated approach saves caregivers time, maximises resources, and strengthens trust in health services. A mother can leave one clinic visit knowing her children are protected against measles, rubella, polio, and even malaria and community members in NTD endemic settlements have the opportunity of receiving their medications delivered to their homes.”

The Gates Foundation further states that it expects the government, partners and communities to act together as one team, to be able to reach every child and close the zero-dose gap with innovative outreach helping tostrengthen primary health care and Nigeria’s future.

“If we succeed, Nigeria will not only safeguard its children but also inspire the world with what is possible. Together, let us act with urgency, unity, and persistence so that truly no child is left behind,” he said.

Immunisation Campaign: Gates Foundation, others target two million unreached children