The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that displaced persons in Benue State receive timely vaccinations, despite the ongoing security challenges in the region. Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, Health Specialist at UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, shared this during a Media Dialogue on the 2025 World Immunisation Week, organized by UNICEF in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State on Saturday.
Benue State, along with eleven other states, falls under UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office. This year’s theme for World Immunisation Week is “Immunisation for all is humanly possible.”
Dr. Anyanyo emphasized that, although the security situation in Benue poses significant challenges, UNICEF has devised contingency plans to ensure that the newly displaced populations are reached with vaccination services. She highlighted that the organization is active in 11 Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps across the state, stressing that addressing the urgent needs of the displaced cannot rest solely on the shoulders of partners but must involve government support.
“The displaced population is quite large, but we have strategies in place to reach them and provide effective interventions,” Dr. Anyanyo said. “While we are present in the IDP camps, the demands are overwhelming. The government must also step in to ensure the success of these efforts.”
She identified several barriers to vaccination in North Central Nigeria, including funding, misinformation, insecurity, and the vast geographical areas that must be covered. Dr. Anyanyo called for greater collaboration between stakeholders to enhance vaccine service delivery.
Dr. Olusoji Akinyele, a health specialist at the Enugu Field Office, spoke about the significance of vaccines, describing them as one of humanity’s greatest achievements, particularly in reducing infant mortality rates. “Vaccination has reduced infant mortality by 40%. Today, more children survive their first year of life than at any other point in human history,” he said. “Vaccines have not only helped control disease outbreaks but have saved lives across all age groups.”
Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, Communication Officer at UNICEF’s Enugu Field Office, stressed the critical role media professionals must play in supporting the success of immunization campaigns. She emphasized the need to prepare media personnel for their essential role in raising awareness.
Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Enugu, underscored the importance of World Immunisation Week and the goal of reaching the necessary vaccination coverage to protect children and communities.
Francis Nwubani, Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, also addressed the gathering, noting the transformative impact of vaccines. “Recent advancements in vaccines against diseases like malaria, cholera, and Ebola have saved countless lives and reflect the impressive progress in vaccine development,” he said.
