Despite achieving a 99% vaccination coverage in Cross River State, the state government acknowledges that vaccine hesitancy persists in certain areas, with some mothers reluctant to vaccinate their children.

To address this gap, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Cross River State government, has launched a campaign targeting “Zero Dose” cases.

This initiative aims to educate and encourage mothers in 200 communities across 33 Nigerian states to embrace vaccination.

Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, a UNICEF vaccine specialist, explained the concept of Zero Dose, which refers to situations where children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers lack access to vaccines.

He emphasized that missing vaccines, especially during a child’s first weeks of life, poses significant health risks.

Speaking at a media dialogue in Calabar on sick newborns and Zero Dose, Dr. Akinleye highlighted the campaign’s goal: “We aim to conduct a large-scale catch-up campaign to overcome psychological, religious, and sociocultural barriers that prevent people from accepting vaccines.

Dr. Viviene Mesembe Otu, Director General of the Cross River Primary Healthcare Development Agency, pointed out logistical challenges as a contributing factor to the issue.

“In our case, the delivery of antigens and vaccines from Abuja was delayed due to logistical constraints, and some vaccines are in short supply,” she said.

This campaign is a critical step towards closing the vaccination gap and ensuring better health outcomes for children and mothers across Nigeria.