Kaduna, UNICEF Take Zero-Dose Immunization to Hard-to-Reach Villages

Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Kwarau village in Igabi Local Government came alive on Friday as the Kaduna State Government, with support from UNICEF, rolled out a special zero-dose immunization outreach targeting children who had never received a vaccine.

From life-saving vaccines to malnutrition treatment, malaria care, antenatal services, and even birth registration, families in the remote settlement got a one-stop health service that many had long been denied.

Village Head of Kwarau, Alhaji Umaru Rufa’i, hailed the initiative, calling it a lifeline for his people.

“We are open to any form of development as long as it benefits our people,” he said, urging that the exercise last longer so neighboring villages could also benefit.

Leading the UNICEF team, Anne Carlson, Deputy Coordinator from UNICEF New York, underscored the importance of reaching the underserved. 

“This is a one-stop point for families to stay healthy and give their children the chance to grow strong,” she said.

Dr. Gerida Birukila, UNICEF’s Chief of Office in Kaduna, noted that mobile outreaches are bridging critical gaps. 

“Many families here travel more than 10 kilometers to reach the nearest health facility. By bringing services to them, we are seeing a significant increase in uptake,” she explained.

Local Immunization Officer, Aisha Idris, added that the outreach was deliberately taken to Kwarau gari, a hard-to-reach settlement, to target zero-dose children.

“We provided vaccines, essential drugs, and nutrition supplements. The turnout has been very encouraging,” she said.

With Kaduna State ranking among areas with the highest number of zero-dose children, the outreach signals renewed efforts to ensure that no child is left behind in accessing health and nutrition services.