By Rasheed Yusuf, Director of Policy, Advocacy, Innovation, Research & Development, WBFA
Every year, World Immunization Day reminds us of one of the most transformative tools in public health: vaccines. Immunization saves millions of lives, prevents disabilities, and protects communities from devastating outbreaks. Yet, despite these achievements, gaps in vaccine coverage persist — especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, where systemic barriers, misinformation, and uneven access continue to prevent millions of children and mothers from receiving the protection they deserve.
The Nigerian Context: Progress and Persistent Gaps
Nigeria has made significant strides in immunization over the past decade. Routine vaccines such as BCG, polio, DTP, measles, and pneumococcal vaccines are widely available through public health systems, while campaigns have improved awareness and uptake. However, coverage remains uneven.
According to the National Immunization Coverage Survey (2024):
- 73% of Nigerian children received the first dose of DTP, yet only 57% completed the full series.
- Over 2.3 million children under five remain under-immunized, with the highest gaps in northern states and rural areas.
- Maternal vaccination coverage remains low, particularly in underserved communities.
Globally, 14.3 million children missed one or more routine vaccines in 2024 — a reminder of the scale of the challenge and the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and neonatal tetanus.
Why Maternal and Child Health Must Stay Connected
Vaccination is not just a health intervention; it is a gateway to holistic care. Maternal and child health services are the ideal platform to deliver vaccines effectively because they reach families when trust, counseling, and follow-up are most impactful.
Maternal Vaccines: Vaccines such as tetanus, influenza, and HPV protect mothers and confer immunity to newborns.
Childhood Vaccines: Routine childhood immunization works best when combined with growth monitoring, nutrition education, and WASH practices.
Integrated Education: WBFA evidence shows that mothers who receive combined maternal–child health education are far more likely to complete vaccination schedules for themselves and their children.
WBFA’s Approach: Bridging Knowledge, Access, and Trust
MamaCare360: Reaches over 65,000 mothers annually across 60+ facilities and provides vaccine counseling during antenatal and postnatal classes.
Hygiene Quest: Integrates vaccine literacy for millions of pupils, improving household uptake.
Project Oscar: Strengthens postnatal follow-up and links neonatal care with routine immunization.
NICU Plus: Ensures high-risk newborns receive timely vaccination and follow-up.
The Policy Imperative
Achieving universal immunization coverage in Nigeria requires:
- Investing in frontline health workers.
- Embedding immunization into antenatal, postnatal, and early childhood care.
- Strengthening digital immunization records.
- Building community trust and demand.
- Expanding maternal vaccine access nationwide.
The Broader Impact
Integrated immunization strengthens survival rates, builds resilient health systems, empowers women, and reduces inequities — especially in underserved communities.
A Call to Action
Immunization is not just a health intervention; it is a societal investment. At WBFA, we remain committed to bridging the gap between immunization and immunity, policy and practice, and knowledge and action. When maternal and child health stay connected, communities thrive — and children receive the start in life they deserve.