The Republic of South Korea, in partnership with UNICEF, has joined forces with Nigeria to reach an estimated 2.2 million children who have never received routine immunisation.
The initiative, launched in Badagry, Lagos State, is targeted at identifying and vaccinating zero-dose children, particularly those in underserved communities such as urban slums, border areas and other hard-to-reach locations.
The programme will be implemented across six states—Lagos, Ogun, Bauchi, Niger, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory—where immunisation gaps remain significant.
Speaking at the launch, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, said the partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in access to life-saving vaccines.
She noted that the initiative goes beyond vaccination to strengthening routine immunisation systems, rebuilding community trust and improving access to primary healthcare services.
Also, the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Lagos, Lee Sang Ho, said the intervention was part of a broader global effort to address gaps in immunisation coverage, particularly in high-burden countries.
He disclosed that Nigeria is benefiting from a $5.6 million allocation under the third phase of the Korea-UNICEF partnership, which runs from December 2025 to December 2026, aimed at expanding vaccine access and strengthening health systems.
In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, described the initiative as a critical step towards achieving equitable healthcare delivery, noting that every child deserves access to immunisation regardless of location or socio-economic status.
The programme will leverage existing national and state health systems, with key interventions including community mobilisation, tracking of missed vaccinations and integrated service delivery to ensure wider coverage.
With Nigeria accounting for one of the highest numbers of zero-dose children globally, stakeholders said the partnership represents a significant move to improve immunisation outcomes, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and safeguard the health of vulnerable children.
