The World Health Organisation (WHO) released a report revealing that Nigeria ranks first among the top 20 zero-dose countries in 2022, with over 2.3 million estimated zero-dose children, constituting about 16 per cent of the global total. These children lack access to routine immunisation services, specifically the first dose of the DTP vaccine.
The report underscores the urgent need to address immunisation gaps, especially in conflict-affected regions. Despite Nigeria’s efforts to reach zero-dose communities through its National Strategy for Immunisation and Primary Health Care System Strengthening, substantial challenges remain.
According to the WHO Regional Office for Africa, Nigeria is one of the top 10 countries with the highest number of zero-dose children, alongside Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and others. These countries collectively account for 80.3 per cent of the cumulative number of zero-dose children from 2019 to 2022.
To tackle this issue, WHO emphasizes the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration and strong partnerships. Nigeria’s Ministry of Health, with WHO support, has leveraged the Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All to identify and reach zero-dose communities.