The United Nations International Children’s Endowment Fund, UNICEF, has raised alarm that approximately 22,000 children in Bauchi State have missed out in routine immunization putting the state at highest risk factor. The UN agency added that the shortfall in Bauchi state has contributed to the ongoing outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV), with Bauchi recording four cases of cVDPV2 in 2024, out of 73 cases recorded nationwide.
UNICEF’s Chief Executive of Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, made this known during a road walk today, held to mark this year’s World Polio Day.
According to her, the deaths and disabilities caused by polio virus could be eradicated in Bauchi state, Nigeria, and globally, if all stakeholders continue their commitment to ending the deadly child killer disease.
Rafique expressed that in order for expert and stakeholders to fully eradicate disease, every child in every household must get vaccinated.
However, because of misinformation especially in rural areas, many children have been sidelined from the vaccine.
In her statement, the Bauchi field officer said, “The global decline in childhood immunization rates has led to a resurgence of polio outbreaks, even in countries that have been polio-free for decades.”
“The fight against polio is particularly challenging in the most difficult environments, but eradication is within reach. UNICEF delivers over one billion doses of polio vaccines annually, making it the largest contributor to global vaccine supply,” she said.
She urged the government at all levels to prioritize polio vaccinations, particularly in rural areas and communities with low immunization rates to participate more.
“Strengthen immunization systems to ensure that every child receives life-saving vaccines. Allocate necessary technical and financial resources to local efforts aimed at quickly addressing outbreaks and ensuring children are vaccinated.”
She added, “Keep polio eradication high on the political agenda while adopting innovative solutions and coordinated actions to improve the quality of immunization campaigns”.
Meanwhile, she called on the Bauchi Emirate council to intensify effort in mobilising parents and guardians to ensure their wards get vaccinated to address cases of non compliance during and after vaccination campaigns.
