Africa
RESIDENTS of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed mixed views on childhood immunisation, even as experts continue to emphasise its role in preventing diseases such as measles, polio and tuberculosis.
The residents spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Monday in Abuja to commemorate the World Immunisation Week.
The 2026 theme is, “For every generation, vaccines work”.
NAN reports that Nigeria bears one of the highest burdens of zero-dose children globally, according to estimates by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), based on joint data with the World Health Organisation.
Zero-dose children are those who have never received a single routine vaccine.
Recent figures put the number at over two million, underscoring persistent gaps in routine immunisation coverage.
While large-scale campaigns are underway to reach missed children, challenges such as insecurity, weak health systems and vaccine hesitancy continue to limit equitable access and contribute to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
In the FCT, awareness campaigns and routine outreach programmes are ongoing to encourage caregivers to complete vaccination schedules for their children.
Mrs Hafiza Audu, a mother of four in the Karmajiji community, Abuja, said she had always been sceptical about immunising her children.
“I find it difficult to allow my children to take any immunisation. From birth, I have only given one of my children BCG.
“That happened because I gave birth at night and by morning, during routine hospital procedures, he was immunised. The rest of my children have never received any immunisation.
“There is this belief I have that by taking injections, I am only exposing them to more illnesses,” Audu said.
Mrs Aisha Babangida, a journalist and mother of a six-month-old baby, said she took immunisation seriously after learning about it during antenatal care.
“I first heard about childhood immunisation during antenatal visits, where health talks highlighted diseases like polio and measles.
“Those examples stayed with me because no parent wants such outcomes for their child.
“Although I had concerns about side effects, especially when my baby becomes restless, feverish and cries after immunisation, I was informed that such reactions are mild and temporary.
“My child falls sick less often and recovers quickly when he does. Immunisation has given me peace of mind, knowing I am doing my best to keep him safe,” Babangida said.
Also speaking, Malama Hajara Ibrahim, a housewife, said she initially had reservations but changed her stance due to increased awareness through community and traditional institutions.
“My husband was initially against it, but with consistent sensitisation and outreach at the grassroots, he now supports it. Our children are healthy, and immunisation is important for their growth,” Ibrahim said.
Mrs Esther Dennis, a school teacher, said immunisation had protected her daughter from preventable diseases and reinforced her confidence in vaccines.
“I have met people with strong negative beliefs about immunisation, but that has not influenced my decision,” Dennis said.
However, a father of two, Mallam Manar Aliyu, said he remained opposed to immunisation and would not recommend it to others.
According to Aliyu, immunisation is a Western mechanism for regulating population in Africa.
He added that rather than investing heavily in immunisation, the government should prioritise other severe illnesses. (NAN)
A.I
April 28, 2026
Tags: Malama Hajara Ibrahim Mallam Manar Aliyu Mrs Esther Dennis Mrs Hafiza Audu World Immunisation Week.