Taraba’s Immunization Revolution: From Zero-Dose to Full Protection By Nabeela Yakubu Jalo

 

 From the misty hills of Gembu to the bustling neighborhoods of Jalingo, Taraba State is experiencing a quiet revolution—one that is saving lives and transforming communities, one syringe at a time. 

 

Just a few years ago, Taraba faced a serious immunization crisis. In 2022, a staggering 24% of children in the state had never received a single dose of any vaccine. These so-called "zero-dose" children were especially vulnerable to preventable diseases like measles, tetanus, and polio.

 

But by mid-2024, the picture has changed dramatically. The percentage of zero-dose children has dropped to just 4%. Even more encouraging, the number of children who are fully immunised rose from 49% in 2022 to nearly 80% in 2024—a remarkable leap that signals a major win for public health in the state.

 

At the center of this transformation is Mrs. Rhoda Lodiya, the head of Taraba State's immunisationprogramme. Under her leadership, the state tackled numerous challenges—from rugged terrain and insecurity to vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation.

 

"Getting vaccines to hard-to-reach areas was one of our toughest challenges," Mrs. Lodiya said. "But with the support of partners like GAVI, we received motorcycles, vehicles, and fuel which helped us deliver vaccines to the most remote communities."

 

Behind the scenes, the true heroes of this effort are women—mothers, volunteers, and health workers who go to extraordinary lengths to protect children.

 

Maryam Muhammad, a community volunteer in Barade, Jalingo, has been at the forefront of household mobilization. "We go door-to-door, educating families, answering their questions, and encouraging them to immunise their children," she explained.

 

For mothers like Nafisa Aliyu, immunisation is non-negotiable. "I ensure my child never misses a routine vaccination. It's my duty as a mother," she said.

 

Yet, not all stories are easy. Ummul Inuwa shared how her husband initially refused to allow their child to be vaccinated. "It was painful. I wanted to protect my baby, but he said no. It took the intervention of elders in the community to convince him," she recounted.

 

Hadiza Usman, a staff member of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, said myths and misconceptions are still prevalent in some areas. "We sometimes have to walk miles, face rejection, or even threats just to reach a few households. But we don't give up."

 

Community and religious leaders have played a pivotal role in shifting mindsets. The GaladimanMuri, District Head of Jalingo and Chairman of the Social Mobilisation Committee on Immunisation, emphasized the role of traditional leadership in advocacy. "Our words carry weight. When we speak, people listen."

 

Faith-based messaging has also helped. Bishop Ande Emmanuel of UMCN and Imam Mustapha Nuhu Badamasi Lau, Chief Imam of the Taraba State Police Command Mosque, have both used their platforms to promote vaccine acceptance.

 

"Immunisation is not against our faith," said Imam Badamasi. "In Islam, protecting life is sacred. That's what vaccines do."

 

Health workers like Gemson Linus and Mr. YakubuAdamu, a health educator from Ardo Kola, have walked through forests and crossed flooded roads to reach children in difficult-to-access villages. "The joy of seeing a child protected makes all the struggle worth it," said Mr. Adamu.

 

Now, thanks to the coordinated efforts of government agencies, civil society, traditional rulers, and religious institutions, Taraba is moving from a place of rejection to acceptance—from zero-dose to full protection.

 

"This is more than just a story about vaccines," said Mrs. Lodiya. "It's a story about unity, resilience, and transformation."

 

 

Nabeela Yakubu Jalo is a broadcast journalist with Rock FM Jalingo and this reported is was broadcasted as a documentary Rock FM Jalingoand it was sponsored by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI)