According to data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023–24 report, 31 % of Nigerian children aged 12-23 months have not received any vaccination to protect them from potentially fatal diseases like polio, measles, diphtheria, and hepatitis B. This immunization coverage gap is a serious concern as millions of people are at risk for diseases that may be avoided with prompt and affordable immunizations. Proportion of children receiving all basic antigens has been a key indicator of vaccination coverage. Children are deemed completely immunized against all basic antigens after receiving the BCG vaccination, three doses of the polio and DPT-containing vaccines, and one dose of the measles-containing vaccine.
The report further revealed that just 39% of children between the ages of 12-23 months have received all recommended vaccinations against basic antigens, indicating a concerning deficiency. Only 20% of children between the ages of 12 and 23 months have received all recommended vaccinations based on national schedule. Also, only 11% of children between the ages of 24 and 35 months have received all recommended vaccinations based on national schedule. Since the introduction of rotavirus vaccination in phases in August and October 2022, just 18% of children had received the third dosage at the time of the survey.
Limited access to vaccines affects rural populations.
This discrepancy indicates a jeopardy to the nation’s effort to attain universal immunization and lower child mortality, and also highlights the urgent need for better measures to raise immunization rates nationwide. Both national and international health organizations have taken notice of the current situation. Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) reported that the country’s vaccination rates have not been able to keep up with the country’s growing population and increasing healthcare needs, especially in underserved and rural areas.
Trends show that significant access limitations to Vaccines still affect a sizable section of Nigeria’s rural population, while some metropolitan regions have seen an improvement in vaccination rates. According to recent health surveys, major cities with more developed healthcare systems, such as Lagos and Abuja, tend to have higher vaccination rates. On the other hand, some of Nigeria’s lowest vaccination rates are found in rural northern states including Borno, Sokoto, and Zamfara. These regions frequently face Security issues, a shortage of medical facilities, and Infrastructure deficiencies that make administering and distributing vaccines very challenging.
Unvaccinated children rate expose deficiencies in the system.
Although Nigeria has made progress in certain areas, such as eliminating the wild poliovirus in 2020, achieving herd immunity remains a longstanding target due to the country’s low overall vaccination coverage for other preventable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that at least 90 % of children in each nation must obtain the necessary vaccinations in order to develop universal immunity and successfully limit disease outbreaks. The 31% unvaccinated rate in Nigeria is well below this target, exposing deficiencies in the provision of health services and posing questions regarding the stability of the country’s healthcare system.
Nigeria still has a long way to go in achieving its Public Health objectives, as seen by the concerning figures surrounding the vaccination gap. In addition to the 31 % of children who are not receiving necessary vaccination, recent data indicates that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of under-5 mortality globally, with preventable infections being the primary cause. The country’s under-5 mortality rate, which is approximately 117 fatalities per 1,000 live births, according to the World Bank, highlights the fatal effects of insufficient vaccine coverage.
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Even though diseases like measles may be prevented by vaccines, they still pose a serious risk, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates where outbreaks can spread swiftly and cause high rates of mortality in young children. Concerns regarding Nigeria’s lack of vaccinations have been raised by both domestic and foreign organizations, and new studies highlight the necessity of stepping up efforts. Through initiatives like the National vaccine Coverage Strategy, the NPHCDA, WHO, and UNICEF have been advocating for more vaccine outreach. The 31% of children who are not receiving necessary vaccinations is a clear reminder of the crucial work that still needs to be done as Nigeria works to close the vaccination gap.