UNICEF, Borno Govt Launch #AdoptAPHCN Campaign to Immunize 2.1 Million Children
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
In a renewed effort to curb the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Borno State Government and the Foundation for Learning and Underserved Communities (FALUC), has launched the #AdoptAPHCN Naija Challenge in Maiduguri, targeting the immunization of 2.1 million children.
The initiative aims to vaccinate children against diseases such as polio, cholera, measles, and yellow fever, with a special focus on those who have never received a single dose of any vaccine, known as “zero-dose children.”
Speaking at the launch, the Acting Chief of UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office, Joseph Senesie, emphasized that the campaign underscores the importance of collaboration and community-driven advocacy.
“This challenge is a testament to the power of partnerships and synergy,” he said. “It’s a strategic move to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases among children under five.”
The campaign will see 30 youth volunteers divided into 10 teams, each adopting a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area. Over the course of three months, these teams will work to boost vaccination rates and raise awareness within local communities.
Senesie praised the participating young people for their passion and commitment to becoming change agents. He also expressed appreciation to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for its support in making the campaign possible.
“Beyond being champions of change, these youths will also help mobilize caregivers and ensure they understand the importance of immunizing their children,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Primary Health Care for Jere Local Government Area, Hajiya Yagana Shettima, said the challenge aligns with Governor Babagana Zulum’s directive to strengthen primary healthcare at the grassroots level.
“This initiative is not just about immunization—it’s about building a resilient healthcare system that can effectively reach every child,” she noted.
Yagana pledged to collaborate closely with the youth teams to reduce the number of zero-dose children who remain vulnerable to preventable diseases. She further highlighted the importance of combining grassroots outreach with innovative digital campaigns to ensure caregivers are informed about when and where free, safe vaccines are available.
“This campaign provides us with the tools to track progress, learn, and scale up successful strategies across the state,” she said.
