The Borno State government has announced a 44 percent increase in routine immunisation uptake among zero-dose children within three months, following support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners.

The disclosure was made on Thursday in Maiduguri during the close-out event of the Adopt-A-PHC Naija Challenge, which was implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities (FALUC) with backing from UNICEF and the Government of Canada.

Muhammad Arab, executive secretary, Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BSPHDB), said the improvement reflects the success of advocacy efforts against myths surrounding immunisation, driven by 30 trained youth advocates across 10 primary healthcare centres in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area.

“This challenge represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our work,” Arab said. “The youth advocates reached over 900,000 individuals through house-to-house mobilisation, radio broadcasts, and digital storytelling, helping to dispel myths and build trust in vaccines.

“Over 11,900 caregivers were directly engaged, leading to a 44 percent increase in immunisation uptake, far exceeding the project’s 25 percent target. These are not just numbers; they represent real children protected.”

Arab reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system across Borno, noting that the state continues to prioritise equitable access and improved service delivery for children and families.

“Our government remains committed to ensuring that every child, mother and family can access a functional, trusted and youth-friendly health facility,” he said.

Also speaking, Hassan Malgwi, UNICEF Health Specialist, commended the participating youths for their resilience and innovation in driving health advocacy across communities.

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“This challenge has shown the power of youth-led advocacy, partnership, and community-driven solutions,” Malgwi said. “Your creativity and passion have reached the unreached and inspired a new wave of champions for child health.

“Your work has helped identify and vaccinate zero-dose children who might otherwise have been left behind. UNICEF appreciates your dedication, and your impact will be felt for generations to come.”

Malgwi further urged the state government and stakeholders to sustain momentum and continue championing every child’s right to a healthy start in life.

“Every child born in Borno and across Northeast Nigeria deserves access to life-saving vaccines to survive and thrive,” he added.