UNICEF Enugu, BCA Host Virtual Media Dialogue to Boost Immunisation Uptake for WIW 2025

As part of activities to mark the 2025 World Immunization Week (WIW), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Enugu Field Office, in collaboration with the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA), has organized a two-day virtual Multi-Zonal Media Dialogue. The event, aimed at promoting vaccine uptake and strengthening immunization efforts in Nigeria, brought together journalists, health practitioners, and key stakeholders across 12 states.

The dialogue, moderated by Dr. Ijeoma Onuoha-Ogwe, Communications Officer, UNICEF Enugu, took place virtually between Thursday and Friday. Participants joined from states within the Enugu Field Office's area of responsibility, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, Imo, and Kogi. This year’s theme, "Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible", highlights the commitment to reach every individual with life-saving vaccines.

Speaking during the event, Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Enugu, emphasised that the media dialogue aims to spark discussions that promote accessible and high-quality immunisation services, especially for children.

“Today marks the start of the WIW commemoration globally, and UNICEF, alongside healthcare providers and governments, reaffirms the critical role of vaccines. Vaccines are proof that with collective effort, less disease and more life are possible,” Chiluwe said.

She added that vaccines represent one of humanity’s greatest achievements, saving at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years — that’s six lives saved every minute for five decades. Chiluwe further stressed the need to continue strengthening health systems, ensuring equitable vaccine access through sustained advocacy, infrastructure support, and robust cold chain systems.

She also praised the contributions of state governments and called for continued investment and budgetary support to reach the "last mile" — ensuring that every eligible child receives life-saving vaccines.

In his remarks, Mr. Francis Nwubani, Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, commended UNICEF’s relentless advocacy for the welfare of women and children. He noted the long-standing partnership between BCA and UNICEF, which has contributed significantly to health advancements in the region.

Nwubani highlighted that since 1974, vaccines have saved over 154 million lives, drastically reducing infant mortality and enabling more children to survive and thrive. He pointed out that vaccines against diseases like measles, malaria, HPV, cholera, meningitis, and Ebola have significantly boosted survival rates across all age groups.

“As we approach the mid-point of the Immunisation Agenda 2030, WIW 2025 is not just a reflection on past successes but a call to action for the future. We must ensure that every child benefits from immunisation, continuing to develop vaccines for an even wider range of diseases,” Nwubani said.

The dialogue ended with a renewed commitment to building on immunization successes and reaching every child with the essential protection they deserve.

Share to: