In a collaborative effort to safeguard children’s health, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Plateau State Government have launched the Big Catch-Up Immunisation campaign to reach children who missed their routine vaccines due to crises in Jos North and South.
Stakeholders gathered in Jos, the state capital, to address the alarming number of children left unvaccinated, expressing concerns over the potential health risks posed by this gap.
Dr. Yakubu Dauda Isha, Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the Plateau State Primary Health Care Development Board, highlighted that zero-dose children—those who have never received a single vaccine—are prevalent in four local government areas: Wase, Kanam, Shendam, and Qua’an Pan.
“Plateau State was classified as a ‘Zero Dose State,’ meaning a significant number of children have never been immunized. This was largely due to communal clashes and crises that displaced families and limited access to healthcare services,” Dr. Isha explained.
He commended UNICEF and other partners for their commitment to reversing this trend, noting that more parents are now bringing their children for immunisation, a sign of progress.
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UNICEF’s Health Officer, Patrick Akor, urged residents to embrace the catch-up campaign, emphasizing that child immunisation is crucial for preventing life-threatening diseases.
“UNICEF remains dedicated to the well-being of children, and we applaud the Plateau State Primary Health Care Development Board for its commitment to ensuring no child is left behind,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s dedication, Mrs. Mercy Silas Patrick, Wife of the Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, assured stakeholders of continued support.
“The Jos South Local Government is fully committed to initiatives that promote the health and well-being of our children. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against preventable diseases,” she said.
With this renewed focus on immunisation, UNICEF and the Plateau State Government are working to ensure that no child is left vulnerable to preventable diseases, reinforcing their commitment to a healthier future for all.
