Despite achieving a 99% vaccination coverage in Cross River State, gaps remain as some mothers still hesitate to vaccinate their children. To address this, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the state government, has launched a campaign aimed at promoting vaccine acceptance, particularly focusing on “zero-dose” cases.
The initiative is currently active in 200 communities across 33 states in Nigeria and seeks to address barriers that prevent families from accessing life-saving vaccines.
Speaking at a media dialogue on sick newborns and zero-dose cases in Calabar, Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, a vaccine specialist with UNICEF, defined zero-dose as situations where children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers lack access to essential vaccines.
“This is particularly dangerous for children who miss critical vaccinations within the first weeks of life,” Dr. Akinleye emphasized. “The campaign is a large-scale effort to overcome psychological, religious, and sociocultural barriers to vaccination. Traditional and religious influences in some parts of the country contribute significantly to vaccine hesitancy.”
Dr. Viviene Mesembe Otu, Director General of the Cross River Primary Healthcare Development Agency, highlighted logistical challenges as another contributing factor.
“In our case, delays in delivering antigens and vaccines from Abuja have hampered efforts, compounded by shortages of some vaccines,” Dr. Otu explained.
The campaign underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure all children, especially those in underserved areas, receive necessary immunizations.
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