The initiative, known as the ROK/UNICEF Zero-Dose Project, is aimed at strengthening routine immunisation services, particularly in underserved and insecurity-affected communities where many children remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
Speaking during a media briefing in Yola on Monday, UNICEF Health Officer at the Bauchi Field Office, Mr Patrick Akor, said the intervention was developed following assessments of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare delivery systems.
According to him, the Republic of Korea initiated support to help restore essential health services and strengthen healthcare systems disrupted by the pandemic.
“The intervention was designed to reinforce healthcare systems by strengthening routine immunisation in selected states,” Akor said.
He explained that the project specifically targets “zero-dose” children—those who have not received their first vaccine dose and are older than 11 months—as well as under-vaccinated children who have not completed their recommended immunisation schedule.
“In Adamawa, the project targets zero-dose children who have not received their first vaccine dose and are above the age of 11 months.
“The initiative also focuses on under-vaccinated children who have not completed their recommended immunisation schedule, particularly in insecurity-affected communities,” he said.
The UNICEF official disclosed that the intervention currently covers nine Local Government Areas, 96 wards and 200 catchment health facilities across Adamawa State.
He noted that the programme employs a combination of strategies aimed at improving health outcomes in low-performing and hard-to-reach communities.
According to Akor, the project focuses on ensuring that vaccines are readily available, strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers and improving data collection and reporting systems necessary for effective healthcare planning.
“The intervention ensures vaccine availability, strengthens health workers’ capacity and promotes accurate data collection and reporting.
“The project also supports periodic investigations and response measures to disease outbreaks, including cholera and measles,” he added.
Akor further highlighted the role of community engagement in achieving the project's objectives, stressing that traditional rulers, religious leaders and community influencers have been actively involved in awareness campaigns to encourage vaccine acceptance.
Also speaking at the briefing, Adamawa State Immunisation Officer, Mr Umar Bahuli, said the programme has already delivered measurable results, particularly in communities previously identified as low-performing in routine immunisation coverage.
Bahuli revealed that as of the most recent monthly review, the project had successfully reached 1,212 previously unvaccinated children between the ages of 12 and 59 months.
He explained that the intervention adopts an integrated approach by combining immunisation activities with other essential healthcare services.
According to him, children and families benefiting from the programme also receive services such as malnutrition screening, while eligible girls aged between nine and 14 years are offered Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
The state immunisation officer described the nine-month initiative as a critical tool for improving access to vaccines and mobilising eligible children across participating communities.
Meanwhile, Local Immunisation Officer, Mr Mohammed Goni, commended UNICEF, the Republic of Korea and other development partners for their sustained support since the project's inception.
He noted that one of the programme's major achievements has been maintaining adequate vaccine supplies throughout the intervention period.
According to Goni, no vaccine stock-outs have been recorded at ward or health facility levels, helping healthcare workers maintain consistent service delivery.
The benefiting local government areas include Yola South, Hong, Gombi, Maiha, Lamurde, Mubi North and Mubi South, among others participating in the intervention.
Goni acknowledged that community mobilisation initially posed a challenge, particularly during the pilot phase of the HPV vaccination programme. However, he said extensive sensitisation campaigns have significantly improved public acceptance and participation.
“Community dialogues, advocacy visits and engagement with civil society organisations contributed significantly to the project’s success,” he said.
He added that innovative community-based initiatives have played an important role in identifying children who missed scheduled vaccinations and encouraging caregivers to access health services.
“Initiatives such as ‘Fathers for Good Health’ and ‘Mama-to-Mama’ groups have helped identify and track children who missed vaccination.
“Increased awareness in remote and hard-to-reach communities had resulted in improved turnout at health facilities for immunisation services,” Goni said.
Health experts believe the project represents a significant step toward reducing the number of zero-dose children in Adamawa State while strengthening routine immunisation systems capable of protecting children from preventable diseases such as measles, polio and cholera.
The initiative also aligns with broader national and global efforts to improve child survival rates and ensure that every child has access to life-saving vaccines, regardless of location or security challenges.