An NGO, Connected Development (CODE), has mobilized government agencies, community groups, and civil society organizations to address vaccine rejection and reduce the number of zero-dose children in Sokoto.
The initiative is supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and implemented in partnership with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development (SFPD).
The program aims to cut the number of zero-dose children in the state by 80 percent through improved immunization coverage and stronger community engagement.
Dr. Tukur Garba-Magaji, Director of Disease Control at the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), launched the initiative at a two-day inception meeting and workshop on Tuesday in Sokoto.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mukhtar Modibbo, Lead Facilitator and Anchor of the Sokoto Tracking and Accountability for Equitable Immunisation (S-Trace) Consortium, said the initiative is part of a broader regional program.
He explained that the program is being implemented in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Malawi to tackle challenges in health, education, gender, and community development.
Presenting baseline findings, Modibbo stated that Nigeria has the highest number of zero-dose children globally, with Sokoto among the most affected states.
He said an estimated 585,635 children under five across 13 local government areas in Sokoto have not received routine immunization, with Wamakko and Tambuwal LGAs recording the highest numbers.
“The S-Trace intervention aims to directly reach 468,504 zero-dose children in seven selected LGAs. Stakeholders are confident that coordinated action will significantly improve immunization coverage and child survival,” he said.
He added, “Our mission is to break barriers preventing children from accessing life-saving vaccines, especially in hard-to-reach communities where poor access, vaccine hesitancy, and weak demand hinder immunization efforts.”
The program will involve collaboration with government agencies and other stakeholders using strategies focused on community mobilization, advocacy, financing, service delivery, and health system strengthening.
Other strategies include evidence generation, continuous learning, and accountability mechanisms to boost routine immunization and reduce unvaccinated children.
Also speaking, CODE’s Programme Manager, Mr. Abdul’azeez Abdul’azeez, emphasized that vaccination is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent childhood illnesses and deaths.
He noted that Nigeria bears the world’s largest zero-dose burden, with Sokoto at the center of this challenge.
“Through this initiative, we aim to identify unreached children, reduce household resistance via engagement with traditional and community leaders, and strengthen government systems for long-term sustainability,” he said.
He further stated that the initiative aligns with Gavi’s 2026 Strategy and the global Immunisation Agenda 2030, both of which aim to ensure no child is left behind in accessing vaccines.
Dr. Aminu Inuwa, Programme Coordinator of SFPD, highlighted that collaboration with NGOs and community organizations will enhance grassroots mobilization and public confidence in immunization.
Similarly, Dr. Nuruddeen Aliyu of AFEN called on government institutions, development partners, traditional rulers, and civil society to actively support implementation through dialogue, innovation, and accountability.
Earlier, Ms. Hyeladzira James-Mshelia, Acting CEO of CODE, described the S-Trace initiative as a strategic effort to reverse the rising number of zero-dose children.
“This program offers an opportunity for stakeholders to work together in transforming the lives of vulnerable children. Collective commitment and collaboration are essential for sustainable improvements in immunization coverage,” she said.
Representatives from UNICEF and SSPHCDA called the initiative a major milestone in expanding access to life-saving vaccines and improving child health outcomes across Sokoto.
They emphasized that every child has the right to survive, thrive, and access quality healthcare, and that reaching zero-dose children remains a public health priority and moral obligation.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the intervention would accelerate progress in reducing child mortality, expanding vaccine access, and supporting Nigeria’s commitment to universal immunization under the Immunisation Agenda 2030.
