The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that Nigeria accounts for the highest number of unvaccinated children globally, with over 2 million children yet to receive a single dose of any routine vaccine.
UNICEF Health Officer, Bashir Elegbede, made this known during a media dialogue held in Damaturu, Yobe State, to mark the 2025 World Immunisation Day.
Elegbede explained that out of Nigeria’s estimated 8.7 million children under one year, 2.1 million (24%) are considered “zero-dose” children—those who have not received any vaccine listed in the national immunisation schedule.
He emphasized the urgency of the issue, noting that these children are most often located in conflict zones, remote areas, urban slums, and communities with weak healthcare systems.
“These children face a high risk of contracting vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, measles, meningitis, yellow fever, and hepatitis,” he said. “Vaccines are life-saving tools that lay the foundation for healthier futures.”
Globally, efforts are underway to reduce the number of zero-dose children by 25% by 2025, and by half before 2030. Elegbede noted that Nigeria remains a key focus in this global strategy.
UNICEF has intensified efforts to reach these children, particularly in the northeastern states of Borno and Yobe. In 2024, around 20,000 zero-dose children in Yobe received Pentavalent vaccines. Similarly, 145,000 children were reached in Borno, with an additional 165,000 targeted during the March–April 2025 Big Catch-Up campaign. So far, 138,000 have been vaccinated in the current round.
Elegbede praised the work of UNICEF’s Volunteer Community Mobilisers in reducing vaccine refusal to under 1% in Yobe.
“As we commemorate World Immunisation Week, we must remember that vaccines not only save lives but also ensure a healthier future for all. No child should be left behind,” he said.
The Emir of Damaturu, represented by the Waziri of Damaturu, Maisanda Lawan, commended UNICEF’s work and reaffirmed his support for expanding vaccine access in the state.
“The Emir remains fully committed to ensuring that no community is left unreached in our vaccination efforts,” Lawan stated.
