Topic: 2025 – Vaccine Access and Distribution
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Ainsley Roepcke
According to World Health Organization data, around 64% of children aged 12-23 months in Nigeria did not receive all recommended vaccines. An ecological trend analysis found that Nigeria remains far below global immunization targets. This analysis also estimated that Nigeria accounts for 14.7% of the world’s unvaccinated infants. WHO has supported Nigeria through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) by helping map “zero-dose” communities using national data, and by doing so, has successfully enabled targeted vaccination in 100 Government Areas (LGAs) across 18 states. Vaccination contributes to good health. By strengthening vaccine systems, countries can successfully increase child survival rates. With a large population undervaccinated, Nigeria faces high mortality rates from vaccine-preventable diseases. Nigeria is deeply concerned with this issue and is committed to finding a solution, working with its fellow delegates.
Nigeria faces serious challenges regarding immunization, but is actively working with organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, and various NGOs to improve its systems. Nigeria’s immunization strategy, through the NPHCDA, prioritizes improving immunization in zero-dose communities and strengthening health care. WHO reports that this strategy aims to reduce the number of zero-dose children by at least 80% by 2028, which is aligned with the Immunization Agenda 2030 goals. In October 2025, Nigeria launched a massive campaign across all 36 states to deliver measles, polio, and HPV vaccines. The “Big Catch-Up” campaign, supported by WHO, specifically targets children who missed vaccination, specifically during the Covid-19 pandemic, to close immunization gaps. Despite progress, rates of immunization remain well below targets with a trend analysis of around 53.5% having the DTP3 vaccination in 2023, while the target is 80%. Nigeria is actively addressing vaccine access, partnering with global organizations and launching large-scale campaigns. Nigeria has integrated immunization frameworks, but long-term success will require global partnership.
Despite progress, Nigeria still faces many challenges, including low immunization rates in DTP3, recorded at 53.5%, far below the global target of 80%. Additionally, Nigeria accounts for 14.7% of the world’s unvaccinated children. UNICEF found that only 36% of children aged 12-23 months are fully vaccinated. Nigeria recommends that the United Nations prioritize low-income countries such as Nigeria that account for large numbers of the world’s zero-dose children by delivering vaccines and implementing health education programs. With continued partnership from the UN, Nigeria can continue moving forward toward growing immunization rates. Nigeria remains committed to the Immunization Agenda 2030 and believes that through global partnership, universal immunization can become a reality.
