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Security challenges contribute to increasing zero dose immunization prevalence in Borno state

Published

2 months ago

April 2, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Security challenges contribute to increasing zero dose immunization prevalence in Borno state

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Director of Public and Community Health in the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHDA) Dr Mala Abdulwahab has said that security challenges contribute to the high prevalence of zero dose.

Dr Mala regretted that a lot of the “zero-doses” of immunization being recorded in Borno state comes from the lingering level of insecurity plaguing the state adding that a reduction of the prevalence would take place only if these insecurity gaps are closed.

Dr Mala made these assertions during a review meeting of the Borno state annual score card for immunization accountability 2024 as put together by the Committee of Practice (COP) and the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) which held in maiduguri recently.

He said that the lingering insurgency in the state has definitely put a clog in the wheels of a lot of progress which should have been made in the reduction of the zero dose when it comes to immunization adding that it is the hope of the COP that this primary challenge would soon be a thing of the past.

Speaking on further challenges working against health workers during zero dose immunization, Dr Mala regretted that a lot of residents actually assume that because elites are expected to have some form of education, resistance or carelessness will not emanate from them or even core insiders in the medical profession.

Mala’s sadness on this issue stems from the fact that a large chunk of some medical personnel in Borno state are not helping to attack the rising prevalence of the zero dose cases in the state, because they equally take the campaign for granted depriving their kids from having the relevant vaccines as at when due.

The Director of public and community health revealed that Borno state contributes a whopping 60 percent of the measles prevalence in the country adding that something urgently must be done by health workers and educators to reverse this unsatisfactory trend within the sector.

The Director Community health posited that theses kids who are yet to start their regimes of the vaccines especially penta 1,2 and 3 are equally contributing to the embarrassing statistics being reeled out from within the system.

“There is really no reason why we must be having zero-dose cases up till now within this part of the country. It is very unfortunate that this preventable occurrences keep coming up in spite of our efforts.

“Some of the zero-does do come from the elites in the country while some are compromised by prevailing security challenges especially around the state capital areas and some other parts of the state too. But we must keep trying.

” Let me tell you how we used to handle difficult fulani people in the bush, we go with our veterinary doctors and by using the veterinarians they talk to the fulani people to fall in line in terms of taking the vaccines. They see their cattle getting better and their kids too.

” However, it is regrettable that some medical practitioners are not allowing their kids to be immunized against the six killer diseases. This should never be allowed to thrive within the on coming immunization campaigns.

“And this is why I am calling on all of us here to pay relevant visits to VIPs, stakeholders and influencers to ensure that the civil society, media and others are carried along to reduce zero-doses to the nearest minimum.

“For immunity to be maintained, we need to work on the 65 percent coverage of immunization in the state to something better. We must make better progress in the pending campaigns.

” I also urge that advocacies should be done in large numbers to ensure effectiveness. Community leaders will take you more serious when you go in large numbers to make your points heard” Said Mala.

The Director called on field representatives to make deliberate efforts to ensure they anchor their advocacies with the traditional rulers of each domain like the Shehu of Borno in the state capital to make the expected progress.

Also present in the review session, Peace Ambassador, Ahmed Shehu assured the round table of stakeholders that their convergence will close a lot of gaps on the entire vaccination architecture in the state.

He assured that activists like him will do their best to ensure that the zero-dose prevalence becomes a thing of the past as they forge ahead in the 2025 campaigns.

Also speaking, Dr Musa Melton, a senior field coordinator of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) in Borno state noted that the exercise was meant to open the remaining vestiges of existing challenges caused by the zero dose and dealing with them decisively from the coming campaigns to be mounted by the community of practice (COP).

He however noted that the last review of actualities on ground was not all that gloomy because epidemiological statistics indicated that the number of zero-doses have actually reduced in the state and the entire country.

Melton commended Dr Aminu Magashi the founder of the Africa health network for bringing the vital budgetary issues to the fore adding that with the new push to bringing down the number of zero-doses in the state and the willingness of the state govt led by Prof Babagana Zulum to spend more on health, there is good news at the horizon.

Dr Melton stated that measles has however dropped drastically in the state and the entire country from last year’s statistics to this year’s adding that they will soon celebrate the end of the zero-dose prevalence as the campaigns intensifies.

UNICEF immunization officer and representative in the round table Bashir Elegbede frowned at dishonest immunization officers adding that inspectors will be in the field for the next campaign to hunt down such people and reduce such misbehaving practitioners contributing to the zero dose.

He warned that everyone will answer his or her fathers name this time around as business as usual will never be tolerated from anyone.

Present at the occasion were stake holders from within the state and some from outside like Dr Aminu Magashi who is the global convener of the community of practice (COP) on accountability and social action on health and a member of the global action plan for SDG 3 advocacy group.

A child in contemporary Nigeria is said to be out of the zero-dose prevalence when such a child had been subjected to BCG, OPV O, Hepatitis BO all at birth.

Within six weeks the same child should have taken Pentavalent 1, PCV 1, OPV1, IPV1, and ROTA 1 while at 10 weeks, Pentavalent 2, PCV2, OPV2 and ROTA 2.

At 14 weeks a child is expected to have taken Pentavalent 3, PVC 3, OPV 3, IPV2 and Rota 3.

At five months the malaria vaccine should be infused while at six months the vitamin A 1st dose even as the malaria vaccine is followed at seven months.

By nine months one’s baby should be done with measles first dose, yellow fever, Meningitis vaccine and vitamin A second dose even as the measles second dose and malaria vaccine are administered at 15 months.

Updated data received from the COP indicated that by 9 Years, children should be ready for the human Papilloma virus vaccine and that should make them good to go by world standards to avoid zero-doses.

This is the contemporary ideal and expectations for all children as laid down by the national primary health agency of Nigeria.

Security challenges contribute to increasing zero dose immunization prevalence in Borno state

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ECOWAS Raises the Alarm of Worsening Climate-related Disruptions in West Africa

Published

5 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

ECOWAS Raises the Alarm of Worsening Climate-related Disruptions in West Africa

By: Michael Mike

Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has raised the alarm that the West Africa sub region is at the risk of worsen climate-related disruptions.

Speaking at the ECOWAS Hydrology and Meteorology Directors’ Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs & Agriculture. Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse said according to the WMO’s 2024 State of the Climate in Africa report, West Africa experienced a 1.2°C temperature rise above pre- industrial levels, and 2024 was among the five hottest years on record for the Sahel. While some parts of the Gulf of Guinea saw above-average rainfall, the Sahel and northern regions experienced extended dry spells, disrupting planting cycles and water availability.

She added that: “Moreover, recent data from the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Network (ECOWARN) showed that between 2021 and 2024, the region experienced a 47% increase in flood-related incidents, affecting over 5 million people, with damages estimated at over $1.3 billion USD.

“A recent ECOWAS study handled by WASCAL found that climate-related disruptions reduced agricultural productivity in the region by up to 10% in 2024, contributing to food insecurity and inflationary pressures. This situation will be worst if nothing is done in terms of mitigation and global temperatures reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 as forecast.”

Toure-Litse, who was represented by ECOWAS Acting Director Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. Yao Bernard Koffi noted that: “Our populations, particularly those who lives in rural areas need accurate and timely meteorological data and information to adapt,” insisting that: “The accessibility to data and information is a critical issue that was emphasize by African Ministers while they were adopting the African Meteorological Strategy.
Consequently, the importance of generation climate forecast information from Meteorological and hydrological Directorates and their transfer to relevant national development agencies and
dissemination towards rural and urban populations are critical.”

She added that: “This underscores the urgent need for enhanced hydrological and
meteorological capacity that are now refer to collectively as hydromet services. According to the World Bank, every dollar
invested in early warning systems can yield up to $9 in benefits, including avoided losses and enhanced productivity.

“Honourable Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen, Noting the importance of strengthening the hydrological and meteorological services, the ECOWAS Commission adopted an
Hydromet Initiative 2021. It provided an assessment of the capacities of meteorological and hydrological services at regional and national levels as well as an overview of priorities and investment needs. These needs were estimated at $324.5 million, including $290 million for Member States and $34.5 million to support regional institutions for the strengthening and
modernization of hydrometeorological services in West Africa.”

She disclosed that: “In order to mobilize necessary resources for the implementation of the said Initiative, the ECOWAS Commission has worked with the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat to develop a regional project concept note to
be submitted to the Green Climate Fund.

“The concept note will be
presented during this workshop to collect your views and comments
that will contribute to its improvement. Your attention and support are therefore needed in that regard in order to ensure that the
project fully responds to the regional and national hydromet services improvement needs.”

Honorable Minister,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Over the next three days, I urge you to engage deeply, share
experiences and challenges, and most importantly, identify clear
actions that will contribute to improving hydromet services in our
region.

On his part, the Nigeria’s Minister of
Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo while declaring the meeting open, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening NiMet’s operational capacity, expanding its reach, and promoting regional collaboration, emphazing that the need for accurate, timely, and actionable weather and climate information has never been more critical to saving lives, securing livelihoods, and driving sustainable development across the region.

He said: “The WMO State of the Climate Report for 2023 stated that on average, climate-related hazards cause African countries to lose 2%–5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) annually, with many diverting up to 9% of their budgets to respond to climate extremes. Specifically in West Africa, rainfall deficits in Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana led to localised shortfalls in agricultural production in 2023.

“This further highlights the enormity of the challenge facing the entire continent and the ECOWAS region in particular.
In the face of these realities, the work of our meteorological and hydrological services has become indispensable.

“This meeting couldn’t have come at a better time and provides the opportunity for us to assess the readiness of the region to meet its early warning target.

“Recall that at the launch of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, the United Nations had set an ambitious target of ensuring that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027. How Ready is ECOWAS? This is one of the questions that we must answer at this meeting.

“This meeting reflects our shared commitment to regional cooperation as well as a clear indication of the growing recognition of the critical role that meteorological and hydrological services play in our pursuit of sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation and mitigation among others,” he said.

The Director, WMO Office for Africa, Dr Agnes Kijazi in his Goodwill Message said during the past 75 years, the WMO community provided scientific evidence, information and services which have shaped decision making to safeguard and promote public well-being, and to make the world safer, more secure, and prosperous.

He said: “WMO acknowledges the challenges faced by Members in the ECOWAS region which are putting pressure on resources and increasing the complexity of competing needs and priorities. It is in this regard that WMO and partners initiated ongoing interventions such as the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), the Climate Risk Early Warning Systems (CREWS), and the Early Warnings for All initiative which provide support to some Members.

“I would like to let you know that WMO reaffirmed its commitment to work with all national meteorological and hydrological services to ensure a more climate resilient West Africa,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Director General of the Nigerian Meterorogical Agency, Nimet, Prof. Charles Anosikewho stressed the importance of leveraging technology for enhanced service, expressed
NiMet commitment to regional cooperation and advancing the cause of meteorology
resources in pursuit of a more resilient and climate-smart West Africa.

“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains committed to regional cooperation and advancing the course of meteorology and hydrology within ECOWAS. We are ready to share our experiences, expertise, and resources in pursuit of a more resilient and climate-smart West Africa” he said.

ECOWAS Raises the Alarm of Worsening Climate-related Disruptions in West Africa

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Zulum spends night in Kala Balge, observes fasting/prayer day

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum spends night in Kala Balge, observes fasting/prayer day

… Approves 10 patrol vehicles, other logistics to military, volunteers

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Monday, observed prayer and fasting day aimed at fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amidst the ongoing security challenges.

Arriving Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Council, before sunset on Sunday, Zulum spent the night coordinating support for security agencies and volunteer forces.

Kala-Balge is one of the communities in Borno State that has faced persistent security challenges from Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents that have disrupted daily life and threatened peace.

According to Zulum, the visit was part of his commitment to fostering unity, spiritual resilience and hope among the people amidst the ongoing security challenges.

Zulum urged citizens to observe fasting and prayers today (Monday) in a statewide broadcast on Saturday, stating “In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity. This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria, and indeed the entire country.”

The Governor expressed appreciation to the people of Borno and those outside the state for heeding his call to observe fasting and prayers for the restoration of peace in Borno.

He said “let me express my appreciation to thousands of people in Borno that have observed today’s fasting and praying for peace to reign in our state. People from other states and even beyond Nigeria joined in seeking divine intervention for the security challenges we are facing. We thank everyone for the solidarity.”

… Approves 10 patrol vehicles, other logistics to military, volunteers

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved 10 patrol vehicles to support the military and youth volunteers in combating the criminal activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents.

Zulum, who announced the approval on Monday while addressing both groups separately, noted that while the volunteers comprising CJTF, hunters and vigilantes would receive 6 Takoma/Toyota Hilux, an additional 4 gun-trucks would be donated to the military.

The Governor rounded up the visit in Kala-Balge by distributing food items to over 10,000 families, mostly women and their vulnerable family members.

Zulum spends night in Kala Balge, observes fasting/prayer day

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Yobe civil service faces challenges of Boko Haram in 15 years—HoS

Published

1 week ago

May 13, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Yobe civil service faces challenges of Boko Haram in 15 years—HoS

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State civil service has faced unprecedented challenges for over fifteen years as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency.

This was disclosed by the Yobe State Head of Service, Alhaji Tonga Betara, during the opening of a 5-day workshop commenced by the Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Project for North-East Nigeria (MCRP).

The workshop, being held in Kano, brought together over 150 top-ranking civil servants, including directors of personnel management, heads of departments, and other key officials from various MDAs in the state, aimed at strengthening public service for post-crisis recovery.

Alhaji Betara highlighted the devastating impact of the over 15-year insurgency on the civil service and noted that it has affected the performance of civil servants and the experienced public servants are also retiring from service.

“In response to this situation, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, had earlier given approval for various capacity-building training for civil servants in the state.” Tonga said.

He commended the efforts of MCRP for collaborating with the office of the head of service in organizing several capacity-building workshops to complement government efforts on manpower needs of the state.

In his welcome address, Yobe State Project Coordinator MCRP, Alhaji Musa Idi Jidawa, expressed gratitude toGovernor Mai Mala Buni, CON, for his unwavering support and encouragement towards the implementation of the training workshops.

According to him, the civil service faced unprecedented challenges as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency; hence, the workshop is aimed at building capacity to design and implement effective strategies that will enable the civil service in the state to drive recovery efforts.

The workshop is designed to equip participants with necessary skills and knowledge, provide a platform for participants to share experiences, identify challenges, and develop effective strategies for post-crisis recovery in Yobe State.

Yobe civil service faces challenges of Boko Haram in 15 years—HoS