By Lizzy Carr
The chief UNICEF Field Office Bauchi Dr Nuhzat Rafique has urged Bauchi State government to prioritize full immunization coverage for every child and ensuring that no child is left behind
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, made the appeal during the state-level commemoration of the 2026 World Immunization Week held in Bauchi.
She described vaccines as the most effective shield against preventable diseases, noting that outbreaks continue to threaten communities despite decades of progress.
According to her, vaccination remains one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for saving lives.
“Completing the full immunization schedule not only protects individual children but also safeguards entire communities,”
Dr. Rafique highlighted that vaccines have saved millions of lives globally, attributing the success to parents and caregivers who continue to protect children against deadly diseases such as measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and rotavirus.
She added that newer vaccines targeting diseases like malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, RSV, Ebola, and monkeypox are expanding protection, with some already piloted successfully in Bauchi State.
However, she expressed concern over immunization gaps noting that globally, more than 20 million children missed at least one vaccine dose in 2024.
” In Bauchi State, only 51.4 percent of children are fully vaccinated, while about 40 percent have never received any vaccine and roughly 10 -11 percent are partially vaccinated.this means only half of Bauchi’s children are fully protected, leaving many vulnerable to preventable diseases, warning that incomplete vaccination exposes communities to renewed outbreaks”.
To address these challenges, Dr. Rafique called for strengthened routine immunization systems, expanded outreach to hard-to-reach communities, and active engagement of religious, traditional, and community leaders. She also stressed the need to tackle misinformation and ensure consistent vaccine availability across health facilities.
She noted that the recent provision of motorcycles, supported by Global Affairs Canada, would enhance access to remote communities and improve vaccine delivery.
The Chief further emphasized the role of the media in promoting accurate information, countering misinformation, and building public trust in immunization.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state through healthcare worker training, revitalization of primary healthcare centres, integration of immunization with maternal and child health services, and expansion of mobile outreach efforts.
Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, said the government remains committed to protecting the lives of its citizens. He disclosed that the state paid over ₦800 million as counterpart funding for immunization in 2025.
World Immunization Week is observed annually from April 24 to 30 to promote the use of vaccines in protecting people of all ages. The 2026 theme is “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work.”
