Bauchi Renews Push for Full Immunisation Coverage

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has renewed its commitment to improving immunisation coverage across the state, following gains recorded in recent years and fresh concerns raised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) over low full vaccination rates among children.

Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Mohammed Dambam, stated this during activities marking the 2026 World Immunisation Week in Bauchi.

He said immunisation coverage in the state rose from 31 per cent in 2018 to 58 per cent in 2024, describing the improvement as evidence of deliberate investments and sustained health interventions by the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.

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According to him, the government is determined to achieve universal immunisation coverage and will continue to strengthen community mobilisation, public enlightenment and grassroots participation to ensure no child is left behind.

“We are optimistic that the figure will improve further in the next survey because of the deliberate investments and ongoing interventions by the state government,” he said.

Dambam noted that Bauchi has become a model for community participation in health programmes, adding that several states now study its engagement strategy.

He commended traditional institutions, particularly the Bauchi State Emirate Council on Health led by the Emir of Dass, for supporting immunisation campaigns and other public health initiatives.

“Our vision is to build a state free from vaccine-preventable diseases and other avoidable health challenges,” he added.

However, UNICEF expressed concern that only 54 per cent of children in Bauchi are fully vaccinated, leaving thousands vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Speaking during the event, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, urged the state government, health authorities, parents, religious leaders and traditional rulers to intensify efforts to ensure every eligible child completes routine immunisation.

“As outbreaks continue to emerge, vaccinating all children has become more important than ever. We cannot afford to leave children partially vaccinated because they will remain at risk,” she said.

Rafique warned that incomplete vaccination exposes children to diseases such as measles, diphtheria and polio.

She identified misinformation, poor access to remote communities and irregular vaccine availability at Primary Healthcare Centres as major barriers to improved coverage.

She added that UNICEF has continued to support Bauchi through training of health workers, revitalisation of health facilities, improved vaccine supply systems, community mobilisation and the provision of motorbikes to reach hard-to-access communities.