By: Habibu Maaruf Abdu
On Thursday, October 24, 2024, coinciding with World Polio Day, UNICEF launched the ‘No More Zero Dose’ immunisation song across Nigeria and other West and Central African countries.
The Kano state launch took place at Tahir Guest Palace, attended by government officials, Kannywood members, social media influencers, and journalists from Jigawa and Katsina states.
According to Mr. Rahama R.M. Farah, chief of UNICEF’s Kano field office, the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation, especially for children under five.
“We have gathered this morning to raise awareness on the importance of Immunization, which remains the most cost-effective intervention to confront vaccine-preventable diseases, especially in children under 5 years of age…”
“Thank you for joining us this morning to launch the Immunization Song aptly entitled, No More Zero Dose!” He added
The No More Zero Dose song highlights the urgent need to boost immunisation coverage in West and Central Africa, a region with the lowest vaccination rates in the world. This reality has led to multiple outbreaks of preventable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, polio, yellow fever, and cerebrospinal meningitis in the region.
The song features Spyro, Ali Nuhu, other top music stars, and UNICEF Champions from Mali, Chad, Cameroon, and Guinea.
A media dialogue on immunisation followed the song’s launch. UNICEF Communication specialist Samuel Kaalu then mobilised caregivers for the upcoming immunisation campaign in November, encouraging them to amplify the message.