By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reiterated its commitment to promoting immunization in order to protect Under Five children against all vaccine preventable diseases.
The assertion was made by the State Commissioner of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, during a joint Press Conference with the Chief of Office, Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr Nuzhat Rafique, to commence the 2026 World Immunization Week 2026 (April 24 – 30), with theme: “For every generation, vaccines work.”
Sani Mohammed Dambam, assured that the government through the Health agencies under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has mobilised personnel in ensuring that the exercise was successful across the State.
The Commissioner added that, with logistics support from UNICEF and other Partners, the exercise will be hitch-free and the target population will be reached across the State.
He then commended UNICEF for the support it was giving to the State Government by making vaccines and other things required, always available.
In her presentation, Nuzhat Rafique stated that, “Vaccines have protected individuals, families, and communities for decades, and will continue to safeguard the future. Over the past decades, vaccines have significantly saved millions of lives. This success is due to parents and caregivers choosing to protect against diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus. ”
According to her,”Newer vaccines (malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola, mpox) are expanding protection and saving even more lives. Recurring outbreaks show many children, especially in hard-to-reach, border, and underserved communities, are still being missed. There is an urgent need for renewed commitment from all stakeholders.”
The key priorities of the week include Strengthening routine immunization (fixed sessions), Expanding outreach to remote settlements, Engaging community and religious leaders, Addressing misinformation and Ensuring consistent vaccine availability at PHC facilities.
The message to duty bearers throughout the week include Vaccination is a simple, powerful way to save lives., Completing the full immunization schedule protects both children and communities, Building trust and sharing accurate information will help families make informed decisions for long-term protection.
For the success of the weeklong activities, UNICEF’s support includes: Strengthening primary healthcare systems, Revitalizing PHC facilities, Training health workers, Promoting community engagement and demand creation, Improving cold chain systems, Ensuring consistent vaccine supply, Expanding mobile and integrated outreach services and Linking immunization with nutrition and RMNCAH+N services.
UNICEF stressed that Every child deserves a healthy start, regardless of where they are while reaching zero-dose children is essential to prevent outbreaks and reduce child mortality.
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