Traditional Rulers Unite to Boost Immunization in Nigeria

Northern traditional rulers are joining efforts to strengthen community engagement and improve immunization coverage in Nigeria, particularly in light of the circulating poliovirus variants. A quarterly review meeting was held in Abuja, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

The meeting brought together critical stakeholders to review progress in routine immunization and maternal healthcare interventions. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, highlighted the urgent need for action as Nigeria faces the highest burden of unvaccinated children globally, with 2.3 million children yet to receive their first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine.

The meeting underscored the importance of mobilizing civil society, religious leaders, and health workers to address challenges in immunization access, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and climate change. Data from the Nigerian Demographic Health Survey indicates a rise in basic vaccination coverage from 13% in 2003 to 31% in 2018, but the country still falls short of global targets.