October 31, (THEWILL) — The Borno State government has announced a 44 percent increase in routine immunisation uptake among zero-dose children, following intensive advocacy and community engagement supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Government of Canada.
The disclosure was made on Thursday in Maiduguri by the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Muhammad Arab, at the close-out ceremony of the Adopt-A-PHC Naija Challenge.
Arab attributed the success to sustained sensitisation campaigns led by 30 trained youth advocates who worked to dispel myths and misinformation about immunisation.
He explained that the three-month challenge, implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities (FALUC) with UNICEF’s support, mobilised the youths across 10 primary healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.
He stated, “What makes today special is that this challenge represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our work.
“Through house-to-house mobilisation, radio broadcasts, and digital storytelling, the youth advocates reached over 900,000 individuals, promoting trust and confidence in vaccination.”
According to him, more than 11,900 caregivers were directly engaged during the exercise, resulting in a 44 percent rise in routine immunisation uptake — surpassing the project’s initial 25 percent target.
“These are not just statistics; they reflect real children now protected from preventable diseases,” he added.
Arab commended UNICEF and other partners for their unwavering support and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system.
“In Borno State, our government remains fully committed to strengthening primary healthcare as the foundation of an equitable health system.
“We will continue to expand access, improve service delivery, and ensure every child and family can reach a functional, trusted, and youth-friendly health facility,” he assured.
Also speaking, UNICEF Health Specialist, Hassan Malgwi, praised the youths for their resilience and commitment, describing the campaign as a model for youth-led advocacy and innovation.
Malgwi shared, “This three-month challenge has demonstrated the power of youth-driven solutions.
“Through your passion and dedication, you have reached the unreached, identified zero-dose children, and ensured they received life-saving vaccines. Your impact will be felt for generations.”
He, however, urged the government and stakeholders not to relent in their efforts to safeguard the health rights of every child in Borno and across the Northeast.
He stated, “As we close out this challenge, let us continue to champion the right of every child to a healthy start in life.
“Every child born in Borno State and indeed across Northeast Nigeria deserves to be vaccinated, to survive and thrive.”
