Bauchi Targets ‘Zero-Dose’ Children as New Immunisation Drive Kicks Off

Bauchi Targets ‘Zero-Dose’ Children as New Immunisation Drive Kicks Off

By Ahmad Muhammad, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board has launched an ambitious eight-month intervention aimed at cutting down the number of children who have never received routine vaccines, in a renewed push to strengthen child health outcomes across the state.

The initiative, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund and funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea, is expected to improve access to life-saving vaccines and ensure that more children are reached through coordinated healthcare services.

Speaking at a one-day orientation for state health officials and primary healthcare directors from local government areas, the Executive Chairman of the board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, said the programme would deploy targeted strategies to boost routine immunisation uptake in underserved communities.

He explained that the project is designed to reinforce healthcare delivery systems while expanding outreach efforts to caregivers, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where vaccination coverage remains low.

According to him, the intervention will integrate immunisation services into existing health platforms such as antenatal care, nutrition programmes, and routine clinic visits to ensure broader reach and efficiency.

Mohammed stressed that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for preventing childhood illnesses and deaths, warning that children who miss routine immunisation are at far greater risk of contracting deadly but preventable diseases.

“Children who are not vaccinated are highly vulnerable. Once they contract infectious diseases, their chances of survival are significantly reduced,” he said.

Also addressing participants, the Health Manager for Immunisation in Nigeria, Kabir Sheikh, noted that the programme would address key challenges affecting vaccine delivery, including supply chain gaps, poor tracking of defaulters, and low community awareness.

He added that efforts would also focus on improving accountability mechanisms and strengthening public confidence in immunisation services.

The intervention will be implemented in Dambam, Jama’are, and Warji local government areas, which have been identified as high-priority locations due to the prevalence of zero-dose children and gaps in primary healthcare services.

Health officials expressed optimism that the project would significantly improve immunisation coverage and contribute to reducing child mortality across Bauchi State.