By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Stakeholders in the Health sector, have raised alarm over
2.6 million children in Nigeria being zero-dose, in 2020, meaning they had not received a single dose of any vaccine in the immunization schedule.

Chika Offor, CEO of Vaccine Network for Disease Control, who was one of the speakers, at a recent immunization budget analysis workshop, raised the alarm in Abuja.

The theme for the workshop is, “Sustaining Immunization through Strong Primary Healthcare: Empowering Advocacy and Partnerships for Long-Term Vaccine Financing at the Subnational Level,”.

She lamented that, Kano State has the highest number of zero-dose immunization cases in Nigeria, with 15 local government areas (LGAs) identified as high-burden, according to Save the Children.

According to her, “The 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey/National Immunization Coverage Survey (MICS/NICS) revealed that in Northern Nigeria, an estimated 65% of children are categorized as zero-dose, with the North East and North West regions accounting for 27% each. Bauchi State in the Northeast has the second-highest zero-dose rate at 35%. These statistics indicate that Nigeria faces significant challenges in achieving the Immunization Agenda (IA2030) target of fully vaccinating 90% of eligible children by 2030.

“Gombe State: Gombe State is estimated to have a significant burden of zero-dose children. Recent reports indicate that Gombe accounts for a substantial proportion of the zero-dose child population in Nigeria, with estimates placing the number around 53,000 and routine immunization coverage for key antigens like DPT1 and DPT3 hovering around 30%.

“Kano State: As the most populous state in Nigeria, Kano faces immense challenges in reaching all eligible children with vaccines. Despite improvements during targeted campaigns, significant coverage gaps remain, with overall routine immunization rates reported at approximately 40% for DPT3, indicating a high number of zero-dose children.
Jigawa State: Jigawa State struggles with optimal routine immunization coverage, recording about 32% for DPT3. Despite efforts to strengthen healthcare systems, a notable number of zero-dose children persist, with estimates indicating that 45,000 children have not received any vaccinations..

“Bauchi State: Bauchi State grapples with low routine immunization coverage, estimated at 38% for DPT3. The state faces challenges related to infrastructure and community acceptance, with approximately 60,000 children classified as zero-dose, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

“Adamawa State: Adamawa State faces significant challenges in immunization coverage, contributing to a notable burden of zero-dose children. Recent estimates indicate that around 47,000 children in Adamawa have not received any vaccinations. Routine immunization coverage for key antigens, such as DPT3, is reported to be approximately 35%, highlighting a critical need for targeted interventions to improve access and uptake of immunizations. The state’s healthcare infrastructure and community engagement efforts are essential to addressing these gaps and ensuring that all eligible children are vaccinated”, she said.

While Ekiti State has one of the highest number of coverage with over 90% immunization coverage, setting an example of what is possible even within the Nigerian context.

The stakeholders therefore agreed that it is imperative for the three tiers of government and citizens to prioritize domestic resource mobilization to safeguard the country’s immunization progress and prevent the collapse of its Primary Health Care system.

Chika who lamented over the growing vulnerability of the poor, especially as many PHCs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remain shut due to local government staff strikes.

“Do you know that many of the primary health care centers in the FCT are closed?” she asked. “The LGAs are on strike, and because of that, the health centres are shut. Now let’s think what happens to the poor and vulnerable who cannot afford private hospitals?”

Offor commended the resilience of participants who travelled from various states some risking insecurity in the North to attend the workshop.

“I want to celebrate my brothers and sisters who came by road from the North despite all the insecurity. They risked their lives to be here because they believe in strengthening the health system,” she said, drawing applause.

She emphasized the need for Nigerians to take ownership of their health systems and end overreliance on foreign aid.

“Let us come with our passion. Let us come with the desire to make that change to learn. We cannot continue depending on external funding. It’s time we looked inward to finance our own health solutions,” she said

Her sentiments were echoed by Chika Nwannko, Head of Programs at the Vaccinate Health and Disease Program, who argued that the COVID-19 pandemic should have taught Nigeria the importance of self-reliance.

“At the beginning, if nothing taught us anything, COVID did. Despite all the aid from the global net, they prioritized their people and rightfully so. This is our country. We must begin to look inward,” Nwannko said.

She shared stories of grassroots innovation, including one from Imo State, where 30 women, after receiving small grants, raised ₦500,000 to purchase blood pressure monitors and weighing scales for their community PHC.

That’s ownership. That’s sustainability,” she noted.

In Abuja’s Kabusa community, Nwannko highlighted how Beelback Kitchen, a local restaurant, renovated and equipped a PHC through its corporate social responsibility initiative.

What are we talking about? A restaurant is financing a PHC. So yes, anyone can do it. Philanthropists, CSOs, private individuals. It’s time to shift from dependency to partnership and participation.”

According to her, the new approach emphasizes structured collaboration between civil society, government, media, and the private sector with memoranda
memoranda of understanding and clear operational frameworks to ensure sustainability.

As Nigeria continues its efforts to eliminate zero-dose children and expand equitable healthcare, stakeholders at the forum agreed on one thing: the future of public health must be homegrown.

Yes, international donors are welcome. But sustainability? That must be Nigerian,” Nwannko concluded.

Earlier , Muhammad B. Abdullahi, Deputy Director of Primary Healthcare in Jigawa State, said they had drastically reduced the number of zero-dose children through State Outreach Days and mobile immunization teams.

“Our Masaki Project, which uses local food to combat malnutrition, is another community-driven initiative making a difference,” he added.

The Masaki Project trains volunteers to teach families how to use locally available food to prevent malnutrition, identify at-risk children early, and refer severe cases for treatment.

Dr Joseph Kigbu, newly appointed Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC) representing Nasarawa State, has donated a classroom block worth N55 million to the Barki Abdullahi (BAD) community, Lafia Local Government Area.

Kigbu inaugurated and handed over the project at the Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) Primary School to government on Friday in Barki Abdullahi.

He said that the donation was meant to give back to the community that made him what he had become in the society.

Kigbu, a former Federal lawmaker representing Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as a Commissioner to represent Nasarawa State at the NPC, but yet to assume office.

He explained that the structure consisted of three classrooms, an office, all connected to solar system, and national power grid.

“This is the school I attended and since God has blessed us, we must support the school and make it more conducive for learning.

“Students in our villages do not need to go to schools in cities before they use electricity to learn,” he added.

Kigbu said he had dedicated his life to serving humanity both in and out of public office.

He said: “Even before I was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011, I had a medical forum that offered free medical treatments to indigent people across the state.

“While in public office, there was no part of my constituency that I had not made a mark in terms of projects and empowerment.

“I gave them quality representation, and the free medical treatments are still ongoing  in the state and other parts of the country.

“I have also completed the building of the multi-billion naira hospital for the poor in Azuba, Lafia.

“The hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art equipments, would begin operation in September 2025.

“The hospital is for the poor and services will be free of charge by the grace of God.”

He also used the opportunity to appreciate President Tinubu and Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his recent appointment as a federal commissioner to represent the state in NPC.

He further declared his intention to join the 2027 governorship race in the state.

Receiving the project, Gov. Abdullahi Sule represented by Mohammed Sani-Bala, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, thanked the philanthropist for the gesture.

He described the project as special one  that would go a long way to complement the effort of the government toward providing quality education in the state.

Similarly, Dr Aliyu Bello, Nasarawa State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), appreciated the donor for his philanthropic efforts.

Bello congratulated Kigbu on his new appointment and called on other leaders to emulate him and give back to their communities. (NAN).

The Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and its subsidiary, BEDC Electricity Ondo Limited (BEOL), have strongly condemned an alleged plan by the Ondo State Government to assume control of electricity distribution operations in the state.The condemnation was issued in a statement responding to the announcement by the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Power, describing the state government’s move as illegal, provocative, and disruptive to ongoing partnerships.