The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has said it is partnering with Nigeria to prioritise immunisation uptake in 100 local governments across 18 states with the highest concentration of zero-dose children to close the gap of 2.3 million unvaccinated children.

Chief UNICEF Field Office for the Southwest, Celine Lafoucriere made this known while pledging the international agency's commitment to support Nigeria’s healthcare system in reducing zero-dose children as well as improving immunisation coverage.

The Chief of UNICEF Field Office for the Southwest also expressed concern that the 2.3 million unvaccinated Nigerian children are predominantly in hard-to-reach areas, saying that there was a need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to enhance routine immunization and reduce zero-dose children.

Lafoucriere added that UNICEF in partnership with the government had prioritised 100 local governments across 18 states with the highest concentration of zero-dose children in increasing the immunization uptake.