Following support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, the Borno State Government has announced a 44 percent increase in routine vaccination among children with zero doses within three months.
This was disclosed on Thursday in Maiduguri during the closing ceremony of the Adopt-a-PHC Naija Challenge, which was implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities (FALUC) with support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada.
Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHDB), Muhammad Arab, said the improvement reflects the success of advocacy efforts against myths surrounding vaccination, spearheaded by 30 trained youth advocates across 10 primary health centers in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.
“This challenge represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our work,” Arab said. “Youth advocates reached more than 900,000 individuals through door-to-door visits, radio broadcasts and digital storytelling, helping to dispel myths and build trust in the vaccines.
“More than 11,900 caregivers were directly involved, leading to a 44 percent increase in vaccinations, far exceeding the project's 25 percent target. These are not just numbers; they represent real children protected.”
Araba reiterated the State Government's commitment to strengthening the primary health care system across Borno, noting that the State continues to prioritize equitable access and improved service delivery for children and families.
“Our government is committed to ensuring that every child, mother and family has access to functional, reliable and youth-friendly health care,” he said.
Also speaking, UNICEF Health Specialist, Hassan Malgawi, commended the participating youth for their resilience and innovation in driving health advocacy in communities.
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“This challenge has shown the power of youth-led advocacy, partnerships and community-driven solutions,” Malgavi said. “Your creativity and passion have reached the unreached and inspired a new wave of champions for child health.
“Your work has helped identify and vaccinate zero-dose children who otherwise would have been left behind. UNICEF appreciates your dedication, and your impact will be felt for generations to come.”
Malgavi urged the state government and stakeholders to maintain the momentum and continue supporting every child's right to a healthy start in life.
“Every child born in Borno and North-East Nigeria deserves access to life-saving vaccines to survive and thrive,” he said.
