South Korea and UNICEF launch vaccination campaign in Nigeria's largest city

The United Nations Children’s Fund and the Government of the Republic of Korea have launched a significant routine immunisation investment in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, aiming to target thousands of zero-dose children across Nigeria.

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This initiative seeks to address the pressing issue of immunisation gaps and provide protection to vulnerable children, with UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, underscoring its importance as a critical step towards achieving this goal.

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According to Saeed, the launch of this initiative represents a shared commitment to ensuring every Nigerian child has access to lifesaving vaccines, regardless of their birthplace or residence, and is more than just a ceremonial event.

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She noted that Nigeria currently has one of the highest numbers of zero-dose children globally, with an estimated 2.2 million children having never received a single routine vaccine, primarily residing in fragile urban settlements, border communities, and hard-to-reach areas.

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Saeed emphasized that the challenge of zero-dose children is not due to a lack of vaccines, but rather issues of access and equity, highlighting that the burden is not a failure of science, but rather a reflection of enduring challenges related to equity, access, and service reach.

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The UNICEF official commended the Federal Government and health agencies for prioritising immunisation, stating that the partnership would strengthen healthcare systems and extend services to underserved communities, ensuring vaccines consistently reach every child, especially those who have historically been left behind.

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Saeed reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to the goal, saying that the launch marks the start of implementation and reaffirms a collective promise that no child will be left behind, underscoring the organisation's dedication to this cause.

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Lee Sang Ho, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Lagos, stated that the initiative is part of a global partnership aimed at improving health outcomes, with the Republic of Korea contributing $70m to the project, of which $5.6m has been earmarked for Nigeria.

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The project will focus on 40 local government areas across Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Bauchi, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to reduce cases of zero-dose vaccination in children in these targeted areas, according to Lee.

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Lee noted that Nigeria's inclusion in the programme reflects its strategic importance to global health security, and the programme will support vaccination campaigns, strengthen immunisation systems, and address social and behavioural barriers to vaccine uptake.

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Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said the initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to inclusive healthcare, emphasizing the need to align economic ambitions with a bold commitment to the health and well-being of children.

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Abayomi added that the state is focused on ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, committed to providing every child with equitable access to quality immunisation and primary healthcare services, regardless of location or circumstance.

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The launch in Badagry highlights efforts to reach underserved border communities, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to achieve universal immunisation coverage.