Closing the vaccine gaps in northwest Nigeria

Over half of children immunized in Sokoto had never been vaccinated

During the first round of vaccinations, which began in early November 2024, 53,095 children were vaccinated across six local government areas  in Sokoto state. Of those children, around 63 percent had not received any vaccine doses prior to this campaign. 

The campaign will run until late February 2025 and is underway in Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamako, and Dange Shuni local government areas. Additionally, there are catch-up routine vaccinations taking place at four facilities in the rural communities of Wamako, and five facilities each in Dange Shuni and Bodinga.

"We are committed to collaborating with the government to ensure every child is vaccinated against these deadly diseases," said Dr. Ahmad Bilal, MSF head of mission in Nigeria. 

Measles is an ever-present danger

Measles has become endemic in many parts of northern Nigeria, with repetitive spikes causing public health consequences. This disease causes damage to the gastrointestinal lining, increasing a child's vulnerability to malnutrition, which in turn weakens the immune system and makes them more susceptible to other vaccine-preventable diseases. Measles can also cause pneumonia or brain damage if left untreated. The impacts of measles can last a child into their adulthood, and can even be fatal.

“This exercise is very important because measles is extremely contagious and especially dangerous for young children, particularly those suffering from malnutrition or other medical issues,” said Dr. Bilal.

In 2024, MSF treated over 17,000 cases of measles in Nigeria.

Vaccination success in Zamfara state

In 2024, MSF teams working in Gummi, in Zamfara state in northwest Nigeria, conducted a multi-antigen vaccination campaign to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. With support from the Zamfara state government, the campaign reached 51,314 vulnerable children during two rounds of vaccination, 26 percent of whom were children who had not had any previous vaccination.

“Vaccines are essential for preventing and controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases,” said Dr. Deo Kabila, the MSF medical coordinator in Nigeria. “As a result of the two rounds of vaccination, we have already seen a decline of about 57 percent of measles cases in Gummi General Hospital between June and December 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.”

Spreading vaccine awareness 

To build on the success of the vaccination campaign, MSF is collaborating with community and religious leaders to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination. Multiple vaccination sites have been established, and door-to-door mobilization efforts are being implemented to ensure every child has the opportunity to receive vaccinations.

"Community leaders have been very supportive, granting us access to their communities," said Juliet Umenge, MSF health promotion manager.

MSF is committed to ensuring that every child is vaccinated and can attain their full potential.