UNICEF and WHO Alarm Over Nigeria's Vaccination Crisis

UNICEF and WHO have issued a warning regarding Nigeria's vaccination targets, indicating that the country, along with Africa, is falling behind in immunization efforts. Despite ongoing initiatives, Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of zero-dose children who have not received routine vaccinations during their first year of life.

The report cites that global vaccination rates have improved modestly, but Africa continues to lag behind pre-COVID-19 levels due to conflict, weak health systems, and poverty. An estimated 13.5 million children are projected to receive no vaccinations during their first year of life in 2025, representing a decrease of 750,000 from the previous year.

UNICEF's Executive Director, Catherine Russell, and WHO's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized the need for stronger health data and disease surveillance systems to counter misinformation and improve immunization services. The report calls for increased investment in immunization programs to ensure every child has access to life-saving vaccines.