Bauchi flags off African vaccination week .

By Lizzy Carr

Bauchi State kicks off 2025 African Vaccination Week with a commitment to protecting every child under 5 years through immunization.

The week with the theme “Immunization for all is Humanly Possible” is being implemented by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Field office Bauchi, Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board (BSPHCDB) and other implementing partners.

The week was officially flagged off at the Bayan Fada Primary Health Care Center Bauchi.

WHO Bauchi Field office representative Dr Kucici said this year’s AVW will focus on five local government areas of Alkaleri, Bauchi, Darazo, Ganjuwa and Darazo that have high prevalence of Zero Dose in children.

“We intend to conduct immunization outreach services to underserved communities in the Five identified LGAs of the State to ensure that all eligible children are reached”.

Speaking on behalf of CSOs that will support the AVW activity, an official of Nigeria Health Watch, Dr. Adachi Ekeh said that Health Watch will be working alongside other CSOs to support in resolving non compliances and also mobilizing care givers to allow eligible children to be vaccinated .

Incident Manager Bauchi State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Dr. Sufyan Ahmad Jibrin solicited the support of community and religious leaders towards the success of the activity.

He said that the 2025 AVW activity coincided with the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) .

Dr. Jibrin then cautioned the vaccination teams not to falsify data, waste vaccines and to always strive to do the right thing on the field.

“Any staff found wanting, will attract outright dismissal and possible prosecution”.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the BSPHCDB Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed appreciated WHO and other Implementing partners for their continued support aimed at improving child health in Bauchi State.

He also disclosed that this month round of IPDs will have a combined high level supervision from World bodies like WHO, UNICEF, AFENET, top level Government officials, Traditional Institutions and reputable local CSOs.

Dr Rilwanu Mohammed said the State Government, with support from partners, is committed to tackling the challenges associated with Zero Dose which is threatening the development and growth of children.