The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has raised alarm over Nigeria’s persistently low immunisation coverage, revealing that at least 6.2 million children have missed all vaccinations in the past five years.
This statistic was reported based on findings from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey.
In a recent statement, the MSF’s Head of Mission in Nigeria, Dr Ahmad Bilal highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasising that Nigeria remains far from achieving the international health authorities’ target of 95 per cent vaccination coverage.
The statement read in part, “In 2024, in Nigeria, MSF treated over 17,000 cases of measles, which, if left untreated can cause pneumonia, brain damage or in some severe cases.
‘’The joint MSF and Ministry of Health campaign targets children under five years, using the measles vaccine and the Penta-5 vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, whooping cough, and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B.
“MSF is also conducting catch-up vaccines for children who may have missed their recommended doses of vaccines for polio, rotavirus, and tuberculosis, among others.”
The campaign is underway in Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamako, and Dange Shuni Local Government Areas (LGAs). Additionally, there are catch-up routine vaccinations taking place at four facilities in rural communities of Wamako, and five facilities each in Dange Shuni and Bodinga Local Government Areas.
The statement noted that in the first round of the vaccination exercise that started in early November 2024, 53,095 children were vaccinated across six local government areas in Sokoto State.
Bilall noted that among these, 33,617 children, around 63 per cent, had not received any vaccine doses before this campaign.
He advised community members in Sokoto to participate in a vaccination campaign that will help reduce the number of children suffering from potentially fatal diseases including measles and diphtheria stressing that the MSF is committed to supporting state governments in the Northwest to ensure that every child is vaccinated to attain their full potential.
“We are committed to collaborating with the government to ensure every child is vaccinated against these deadly diseases,” Bilal added.
