The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has sounded the alarm over the alarming rate of unvaccinated children in Nigeria’s North-East region. According to UNICEF, a staggering nearly two million children in the region are out of school, while twelve local governments in Borno and Yobe States have zero-dose vaccination levels. This dire situation was revealed by Joseph Senesie, the head of UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office, during a media dialogue on journalism ethics and child rights reporting in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The situation is indeed dire, with thousands of children lacking even the most basic protection against preventable diseases. However, there is a glimmer of hope. Senesie announced that 32,215 children who had never been vaccinated have now received immunization, thanks to targeted efforts. Furthermore, 1.2 million children have been immunized with the pentavalent vaccine, and 1.6 million people have been reached with the cholera vaccine in the region. These numbers are a testament to the progress being made, but also underscore the immense challenges that remain.
UNICEF is now calling on the media to play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around children’s rights in the region. As Senesie emphasized, “The society counts on the quality of your report to shape the narrative of children in Nigeria’s northeast region.” By conducting independent reports on the successes and gaps in vaccination efforts, the media can help raise awareness and inform the national agenda, ultimately improving the wellbeing of children in the region. As the fourth estate of the realm, the media has a unique opportunity to bring attention to this critical issue and inspire action to address the vaccination crisis in Nigeria’s North-East.
