A recent report from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023-24 has revealed that 31% of Nigerian children aged 12-23 months are not receiving essential vaccinations.
This gap in childhood immunization presents serious challenges for Nigeria’s efforts to achieve universal immunization and reduce child mortality.
The NDHS report highlights the critical vaccines included in Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule, such as BCG for tuberculosis, oral and inactivated polio vaccines, and the DPT-HepB-Hib combination for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and hepatitis B.
In 2022, Nigeria introduced the rotavirus vaccine across northern and southern states to combat diarrheal diseases, a leading cause of infant mortality. However, only 18% of children have received the third dose, highlighting low uptake.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), described the findings as “concerning,” and said that the agency is stepping up its efforts to reach underserved communities by working with state governments to improve vaccination access.
Ms. Adu believes that mobile clinics could improve vaccination outreach. “When we go directly to villages, mothers are willing to vaccinate their children. With better support, we could reach even more families.”
Mothers visiting Garki Hospital on Monday expressed frustrations over accessing vaccinations. Mrs. Fatima Yusuf, a 28-year-old mother, shared her story, explaining that she had walked over 40 kilometers only to find that the vaccine was unavailable.
“Many women in my village want to vaccinate their children, but it’s hard to get to the health center, and even when we do, sometimes the vaccines aren’t there,” she said.