4.3m Children In West, Central Africa Lack Access To Vaccines – UNICEF

An estimated 4.3 million children in West and Central Africa still lack access to essential vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases, UNICEF has said.

ln response to the crisis, UNICEF, in a statement on Friday, said music stars and actors across the region have united to launch No More Zero Dose, a powerful song aimed at reviving childhood immunisation efforts.

The track, released on World Polio Day, features 12 renowned artists and UNICEF Champions, including Cobhams Asuquo, Kate Henshaw, Ali Nuhu, Omawumi, Timi Dakolo, WAJE, Stanley Enow, Spyro, Master Soumy, Mawndoe, Qing Madi, and Sekouba Bambino.

Combining vibrant rhythms with meaningful lyrics, the song, according to UNICEF, emphasised the urgent need for every child to receive life-saving vaccines.

UNICEF’s campaign focuses on addressing “zero-dose” children, those who have never been vaccinated, aiming to protect them from diseases such as polio, measles, and yellow fever.

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West and Central Africa have the lowest immunisation coverage globally. The region continues to battle outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, with polio, measles, diphtheria, and yellow fever posing persistent threats.

“With nearly 4.3 million children across the region not receiving vital vaccines, ‘No More Zero Dose’ delivers a call to action through music. By fusing vibrant sounds with a message of hope, love, and protection, these artists hope to inspire listeners to join the movement to protect every child,” the statement stated.