The Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, with support from UNICEF and funding from the Republic of Korea, has begun an eight-month project to reduce zero-dose immunisation cases.

Rilwanu Mohammed disclosed this during a one-day orientation for state officials and local government primary healthcare directors on Tuesday in Bauchi.

He said the initiative was designed to strengthen routine immunisation uptake across targeted communities through improved service delivery and expanded caregiver mobilisation strategies statewide.

According to him, the project will enhance immunisation coverage by leveraging nutrition platforms, antenatal clinics, and routine vaccination services to reach more children effectively across the state.

He emphasised that immunisation remained critical in preventing childhood diseases and reducing mortality, warning that unvaccinated children faced a significantly higher risk of death from preventable infections.

“If children are not immunised and contract communicable diseases, they are more likely to die,” Mr Mohammed said, highlighting the urgency of strengthening vaccine delivery systems.

Also speaking, Health Manager for Immunisation in Nigeria, Kabir Sheikh, said the project would improve logistics, vaccine availability, defaulter tracking, and community awareness to boost immunisation performance.

He said that implementation would focus on Dambam, Jama’are, and Warji Local Government Areas, identified as priority areas for reducing zero-dose cases and strengthening healthcare delivery systems.

(NAN)