By Oso Abidemi
As nations mark the 2025 World Immunization Week, media practitioners across southern Nigeria have issued a resounding call for governments to urgently invest in vaccines and protect citizens from preventable diseases.
Speaking during a two-day multi-zonal dialogue organized by UNICEF in Enugu, journalists from twelve states pledged to intensify monitoring of immunization efforts, particularly in rural areas.
“The event spotlighted this year’s campaign theme: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.”
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, stressed that vaccines remain one of humanity’s greatest victories, saving over 154 million lives in the past fifty years.
She warned that rising vaccine-preventable diseases stem largely from government complacency and called for renewed political commitment and funding for immunization programs.
“Vaccines have proven that fewer diseases and more saved lives are achievable when we invest,” Chiluwe said. “It is time to show the world that immunization for all is truly possible.”
Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Francis Nwubani, echoed the appeal, urging journalists to use their platforms to boost vaccination campaigns and reduce child mortality.
The dialogue ended with strong resolutions for continuous media engagement to drive home the message that no life should be lost to diseases that vaccines can prevent.
