The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023-24 has revealed a significant gap in childhood immunisation across Nigeria, with 31 per cent of children aged 12–23 months who did not receive any vaccines.

The NDHS findings highlighted challenges in achieving universal immunisation coverage and reducing child mortality in the country.

It stated, “Routine vaccines in Nigeria include essential shots such as BCG for tuberculosis, oral and inactivated polio vaccines (OPV and IPV), DPT-HepB-Hib for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B.’’

These among others are haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, rotavirus, yellow fever, meningitis and measles.’’

It added that in spite of the expanded immunisation schedule, only 39 per cent of children aged 12–23 months were fully vaccinated with basic antigens.

The survey also revealed stark regional disparities in vaccination coverage, indicating that the South-East recorded the highest BCG vaccination rate at 93.9 per cent, while the North-West lagged at 50.2 per cent.

It said that urban areas generally showed higher coverage than rural areas, where many children remained unvaccinated due to logistic challenges and limited access to healthcare facilities.

In 2022, Nigeria introduced the rotavirus vaccine in phases across northern and southern states to combat diarrheal diseases, a leading cause of infant mortality.

However, data shows low uptake, with only 18 per cent of children receiving the third dose of the rotavirus vaccine.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina, acknowledged the concerning statistics and highlighted ongoing efforts to boost immunisation rates.

He said, “The gap in vaccination coverage leaves a significant number of children vulnerable to preventable diseases.”

He explained that the agency initiated outreach programmes targeting underserved communities and collaborating with state governments to enhance vaccination infrastructure.

The Executive Director of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, Chika Offor, explained the need for community engagement and robust public awareness to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.

She said, “Increased funding and resources for NPHCDA are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s routine immunisation programme and achieve full vaccination coverage by 2030.”

Ms Offor described the NDHS data as a wake-up call for Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Addressing the immunisation gaps require concerted effort from both government and civil society to protect Nigeria’s future generations from vaccine-preventable diseases,” she added.

A community health worker in the Federal Capital Territory, Mariam Adu, reported witnessing these challenges firsthand, saying “we’re doing all we can to encourage vaccination, but we face logistical hurdles, especially in rural areas. Sometimes, we don’t receive the vaccines on schedule, and without reliable transportation, it’s difficult to reach families who live far away.”

She noted that additional resources and mobile clinics could help to bridge the gap, saying “when we go directly to villages, mothers are eager to vaccinate their children. With more support, we could reach even more families.”

At Garki Hospital on Monday morning, mothers shared their struggles to fully vaccinate their children.

A 28-year-old mother, Fatima Yusuf, described the difficulties she faces despite understanding the importance of vaccines.

He said, “I walked over 40 kilometres to get here, but when I arrived, they told me the vaccine is not available. Many women in my village wanted to vaccinate their children, but it’s hard to reach the health centre, and sometimes, the vaccines are not even there.”

(NAN)