Yobe State aims for 80% vaccination by 2026, tackling zero-dose children and outbreaks

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Yobe State Government has announced its strong commitment to achieving 80 per cent vaccination coverage by 2026.

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This ambitious goal underscores the state’s intensified efforts to bridge existing immunisation gaps and safeguard children against preventable diseases.

Speaking at a media dialogue commemorating World Immunisation Day, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Gana, highlighted the implementation of strategic actions targeting underserved and vaccine-hesitant communities to achieve herd immunity and protect public health.

Dr. Gana emphasized the significant public health risk posed by unvaccinated children, linking it to recurring outbreaks of diseases such as diphtheria, cholera, cerebrospinal meningitis, and vaccine-derived polio in the state.

He urged health workers to consistently conduct fixed immunisation sessions and prioritize reaching hard-to-reach and zero-dose communities, particularly those with historically low vaccine uptake.

Highlighting the progress made, Dr. Gana noted a “moderate or modest progress” when comparing the 2023 and 2018 National Demographic Health Surveys.

To achieve herd immunity and safeguard our communities, we must reach at least 80 per cent coverage by next year,” – Dr. Mohammed Gana, Yobe State Commissioner for Health.

However, recent occurrences of circulating vaccine-derived polio viruses have served as a “wake-up call” to intensify efforts at both the state and national levels.

Dr. Umar Chiroma, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Yobe State Primary Health Care Management Board, revealed that 17.5 per cent of children in the state were classified as zero-dose in 2024, with Gulani and Geidam LGAs identified as having a particularly high burden.

He affirmed the state’s commitment to integrating the health system to better serve these communities.

Echoing this commitment, Maina Modu, the Borno State Immunisation Officer, shared that Borno State is also escalating its efforts to reduce zero-dose children through additional outreach activities in remote settlements and vaccinating eligible children at transit points.

These efforts align with the broader Big Catch-Up strategy, which involves tailored local responses.

Mr. Bashir Elegbede, UNICEF Health Officer, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating the global need to reduce zero-dose children by 25 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030.

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He called for strengthened vaccination platforms and equitable access to routine immunisation, urging collaboration among government agencies, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, and development partners to ensure no child is left behind.