The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, with support from UNICEF and funding from the Republic of Korea, has launched an eight-month project to reduce zero-dose immunisation cases.
Dr Rilwanu Mohammed disclosed this during a one-day orientation for state officials and local government primary healthcare directors on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He said the initiative is designed to strengthen routine immunisation uptake in targeted communities through improved service delivery and expanded caregiver mobilisation strategies.
According to him, the project will enhance immunisation coverage by leveraging nutrition platforms, antenatal clinics, and routine vaccination services to reach more children across the state.
He emphasised that immunisation remains critical in preventing childhood diseases and reducing mortality, warning that unvaccinated children face a significantly higher risk of death from preventable infections.
“If children are not immunised and contract communicable diseases, they are more likely to die,” Mohammed said, stressing the urgency of strengthening vaccine delivery systems.
Also speaking, the Health Manager for Immunisation in Nigeria, Kabir Sheikh, said the project will improve logistics, vaccine availability, defaulter tracking, and community awareness to boost immunisation performance.
He added that implementation will focus on Dambam, Jama’are, and Warji Local Government Areas, identified as priority areas for reducing zero-dose cases and strengthening healthcare delivery systems.
(NAN)
