Korea, UNICEF unveil immunisation drive in Lagos

In a significant stride towards safeguarding Nigeria's most vulnerable, UNICEF and the Republic of Korea have jointly launched a critical routine immunization investment in Badagry, Lagos State. This initiative is poised to reach thousands of 'zero-dose' children, those who have never received a single routine vaccine, marking a crucial step in closing persistent immunization gaps across the nation.

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Today’s event is more than a launch. It is a shared political and moral commitment to the right of every Nigerian child to lifesaving vaccines, regardless of where they are born or live.

Nigeria faces a daunting challenge, identified as having the highest number of zero-dose children in Africa, with an estimated 2.2 million. These children are often found in precarious urban settlements, border communities, and remote areas, making access to essential healthcare services a significant hurdle. UNICEF Country Representative Wafaa Saeed emphasized that the problem is not a lack of vaccines but rather systemic issues related to equity, access, and service delivery.

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With an estimated 2.2 million zero-dose children, Nigeria has the highest number of children who have never received a single routine vaccine in Africa… These are real children, often living in fragile urban settlements, border communities, and hard-to-reach areas.

The partnership signifies a robust commitment to the fundamental right of every Nigerian child to life-saving vaccines. The Republic of Korea's substantial contribution of $70 million globally, with a dedicated $5.6 million for Nigeria, will be instrumental in bolstering healthcare systems. The project will concentrate on 40 local government areas across Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Bauchi, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to reduce the incidence of zero-dose vaccinations in these targeted regions.

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This burden is not a failure of science. Vaccines work. Rather, it reflects enduring challenges related to equity, access and service reach.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of international partnerships in addressing critical public health issues. By focusing on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that vaccines consistently reach every child, especially those historically marginalized, this initiative embodies a collective promise to leave no child behind. It is a powerful demonstration of shared responsibility in building a healthier future for Nigeria's children.

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This investment is about strengthening systems… and ensuring that vaccines consistently reach every child, especially those who have historically been left behind.