UNICEF: Investing in Vaccines Is Key to Saving Infant Lives

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), vaccines continue to be among the most effective investments for governments aiming to maintain public health and safety.

The Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, stated that sustained funding for vaccinations could contribute to a future where child mortality from avoidable illnesses reaches an all-time low.

The head of UNICEF stated that during the two-day Multi-Zone Media Dialogue for the 2025 World Immunization Week (WIW), which took place at Hotel Fidelma in Independence Layout, Enugu State, these discussions were held.

The event themed "Immunization for Everyone Is Achievable" was co-organized by UNICEF along with BCA Umuahia, and featured attendees representing 12 states including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, Imo, and Kogi.

The participants included both In-house and Online members.

During her introductory comments, the Head of the UNICEF Field Office in Enugu highlighted that approximately 14.5 million children were not vaccinated at all in 2023. She emphasized that each child deserves protection against illnesses that can be prevented through vaccines, regardless of their background or location.

"Measles is staging an especially dangerous resurgence. The case count has risen each year since 2021," she clarified.

Dr. Olusoji Akinleye, a Health Specialist at the UNICEF Field Office in Enugu, noted during the technical sessions that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, measles cases surged to approximately 10.3 million in 2023, marking a 20 percent rise from the figures recorded in 2022.

He said that UNICEF and WHO had warned that the upward trend could likely continue into 2025, as outbreaks have intensified around the world, “In the last 12 months, 138 countries have reported measles cases”.

Olusoji Akinleye disclosed that there is an increasing reduction in worldwide funds, which exacerbates the condition even more.

Previously, Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, Communication Officer at the UNICEF Enugu Field Office, outlined the goals of the meeting. She mentioned that one of its aims was to involve 60 journalists and other media professionals in order to enhance their engagement with the media. This would facilitate the distribution of precise, evidence-backed information regarding immunization.

The Director General of the BCA Umuahia, Mr. Francis Nwaubani, emphasized the importance of enhancing immunization rates due to their significant advantages.

The meeting involved significant interaction among the participants present in-person as well as those joining online. It also included engagement with resource persons through discussions, dialogues, and Q&A sessions.

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