Twelve prominent (12) artists from across West and Central Africa, including prominent Nigerian figures like Cobhams, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Omawumi, Qing Madi, and Spyro have put together a song that seeks to tell Africans and indeed the world that every child deserves protection against diseases through vaccination, especially as the region continues to face polio, measles, and other preventable outbreaks.
The song titled "No More Zero Dose," an anthem calling for improved childhood vaccination coverage, is also to reinvigorate the immunisation drive.
Africa has seen 138 cases of poliovirus, with nearly half occurring in Nigeria, in 2024, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the song became imperative to resonate with audiences across the region, mobilize communities and encourage parents to vaccinate their children.
This year's World Polio Day was marked in grand style as Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, pledged support for the eradication of polio in Nigeria at an event organized by UNICEF, knowing that, new cases of polio are being reported.
"while emphasizing the societal duty to protect children’s health. "This day is not only about raising awareness for polio eradication but also about recognizing the tremendous progress made in the fight against this devastating disease," he remarked.
Sanwo-Olu credited global collaborations led by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative for reducing polio cases by 99 per cent since 1988 while highlighting Lagos state's ongoing partnership with development partners to protect every child from preventable diseases.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, noted that immunization remains one of the most effective public health measures, and the launch of the song marks a unique approach to engaging communities in the mission to eradicate polio. “Music has the power to unite people and inspire action. By embedding this message in our culture, we’re empowering families and communities to ensure the health of our children,” Sanwo-Olu said, calling the song a symbol of hope and determination.
The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, celebrating the release of the song, described it as a demonstration of collective commitment to child health.
Reflecting on Nigeria's past victories over polio, she cautioned against complacency, especially in light of disruptions caused by COVID-19 that led to the rise in “zero-dose” children. “We must not deceive ourselves with the notion that our mission is accomplished, We owe it to our children to continue pressing forward until every child is protected,” she stressed.
The Regional Director for West and Central Africa, UNICEF, Gilles Fagninou, echoed the issues, emphasizing the critical need to reach "zero-dose" children who lack access to life-saving vaccines. “This song amplifies our message to protect every child." We can, and we must reach every child and eradicate polio,' Fagninou stated.
" According to him, the track delivers a message of hope, love, and protection, aiming to address the needs of over 4.3 million children who remain unvaccinated in the region".
Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, added, “This project is significant for Nigeria, a country still facing a high number of under-vaccinatEd children. The release of the "No More Zero Dose" song, reflects the deep commitment to ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines.
"Music is a powerful tool for change, and through this collaboration, we are amplifying the message that no child should be missed,” she stressed
A Nigerian music producer and UNICEF Champion who led the music project, Cobhams Asuquo, invited everyone to support the fight against preventable diseases. “Together, we can protect every child’s future. Let’s spread hope and health across Africa,” he encouraged.
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