The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) disclosed that 189,310 children in the south-west region were never reached by routine immunisation between January and June 2023.
This was made known on Tuesday by Faisal Shuaib, executive director of the NPHCDA during the quarterly review meeting of south-west traditional leaders committee on primary health care delivery (SWTLC) held in Ondo state.
“Lagos has the highest count, with 79,279 zero dose children, followed by Oyo state with 53,812 children, Ondo state with 30,280 children, Osun with 19,737 children, Ogun with 3,204 children, and Ekiti with 2,998 children,” NAN quoted Shuaib as saying.
He appealed to traditional rulers in the region to continue to advocate for immunisation and other primary healthcare services.
He added the monarchs should emphasise to their subjects, the significance of regular immunisation for children.
“Your involvement as traditional leaders in promoting vaccination campaigns and community mobilisation remains pivotal in our progress thus far,” he said.
“With your support, we achieved remarkable milestones, witnessing a significant decline in cases of circulating variant poliovirus type 2.
“We must persistently labour until we reach the finish line, ensuring that future generations are shielded from debilitating diseases, especially the vaccine-preventable ones.”
Shuaib added that the federal government, in collaboration with development partners, would introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine by September to address cervical and other types of cancers.
“We would be reaching out to you to help communicate to your communities the importance of these vaccines. We implore your majesties to share your invaluable insights and contribute to the development of practical strategies that can be implemented at the grassroots,” he said.
“Our ultimate goal is to empower our people with knowledge, resources and quality services to lead healthy and productive lives.”