The Borno State Government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening access to healthcare for children and improving immunisation uptake among zero-dose children in the state, following support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Speaking at the close-out event of the Adopt-A-PHC Naija Challenge in Maiduguri, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Muhammad Arab, attributed the success of the initiative to advocacy efforts against myths surrounding immunisation, which were championed by 30 trained youths.
He explained that through a three-month challenge implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities (FALUC), with support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada, 30 youth advocates were trained and engaged across ten primary healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.
“What makes today special is that this challenge represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our work. The challenge, implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities with support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada, mobilised and trained 30 youth advocates who worked tirelessly across 10 primary healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere,” Dr. Arab said.
“Their efforts reached 900,000 individuals, combining house-to-house mobilisation, radio broadcasts, and digital storytelling to dispel myths and promote trust in vaccination.”
He added that over 11,900 caregivers were directly engaged, leading to a 44 per cent increase in routine immunisation uptake, surpassing the project’s 25 per cent target.
“These are not just statistics; they reflect real children who are now protected,” he stated.
While appreciating UNICEF’s support, Dr. Arab reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system across Borno.
“In Borno State, our government remains fully committed to strengthening primary healthcare as the foundation of an equitable health system. Through the Borno State Primary Health Care Development Board, we continue to expand access, improve service delivery, and ensure that every child, mother, and family can reach a functional, trusted, and youth-friendly health facility,” he assured.
Also speaking, UNICEF Health Specialist Hassan Malgwi commended the youths for their dedication and resilience in the face of challenges.
“This three-month challenge has been a testament to the power of youth-led advocacy, partnership, volunteerism, innovation, and community-driven solutions,” Malgwi said.
“Through your creativity, passion, and dedication, you have reached the unreached, mobilised groups and communities, and inspired a new wave of champions for child health. Your work has helped identify and support zero-dose children, ensuring they receive the vaccines they need to survive. UNICEF commends each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to the cause. Your energy is contagious, and your impact will be felt for generations to come.”
He called on the government and stakeholders not to relent in championing the rights of every child in the state and the region at large.
“As we close out this challenge, let us continue to champion the rights of every child to a healthy start in life. Continue to volunteer for causes such as child rights. Every child born in Borno State — and indeed in Northeast Nigeria — deserves to be vaccinated to survive and thrive,” he added.
