Insecurity impedes vaccine access for children in Niger State

This was highlighted by officials from the Niger State government and UNICEF during a meeting with representatives from the Republic of Korea regarding a partnership grant. The grant focuses on maintaining and strengthening immunization and essential services in 10 prioritized LGAs in the state. Dr. Ahmed Tsofo, UNICEF Health Specialist from the Kaduna Field Office, noted that Nigeria has the highest burden of zero-dose children globally, with 2.1 million, and identified six states, including Niger, as contributing to this.

He stated that insecurity hinders efforts to reach these children. Dr. Murtala Bagana, Niger State Commissioner for Health, attributed the burden to insecurity and the number of hard-to-reach communities. He urged the 10 LGAs—Bida, Chanchaga, Edati, Gurara, Katcha, Kontagora, Mariga, Rafi, Suleja, and Wushishi—to take ownership of the program to strengthen routine immunization and outreach.

Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, mentioned challenges like cross-border banditry and other forms of insecurity from neighboring states. He affirmed that with support from the Korean government and UNICEF, they aim to identify, enumerate, and vaccinate all zero-dose children within an eight-month period to reduce the burden in Niger State.