To mark World Polio Day, UNICEF has unveiled a new song, "No More Zero Dose,” by prominent music stars and celebrities to promote immunisation awareness and expand vaccination rates in West and Central Africa.
The song featured renowned West and Central African Music Stars and
Celebrities including Omawumi, Qing Madi, Sekouba Bambino, Spyro, Stanley Enow,
Timi Dakolo, Cobhams, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Master Soumy, Mawndoe, and WAJE.
The UNICEF initiative which also featured an immersive installation that
highlighted the history and importance of immunisation aims to combat the
region’s low vaccination rates, to protect children from preventable diseases
like polio and measles.
The campaign by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) highlights how
vital immunisation is to protect the well-being and health of children around
the world.
Giving her remarks at the event in Lagos, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF
Nigeria’s Country Representative stressed the importance of the initiative for
Nigeria, noting that under-vaccination remains a pressing issue.
Munduate noted this project is a call to action, especially for Nigeria,
with eight of the featured artists from the country.
“The release of the “No More Zero Dose” song featuring 12 talented artists
from across West and Central Africa, eight of whom are from Nigeria, 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 left behind when it has to do
with life-saving vaccines,” she added.
Speaking, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that the
collaboration between Lagos State and global partners like UNICEF has been
pivotal, in ensuring that every child is protected from preventable diseases.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Dr. Olukemi Ogunyemi, his Special Adviser
on health noted that immunisation was not just a health issue, but a matter of
social justice and equity.
“We are empowering individuals, families, and communities to take
responsibility for the health of our children.
“Polio, once a threat to billions, is now close to being eliminated thanks
to the devoted efforts of health workers, government agencies, and
international partners.
“Our administration will continue to strengthen our healthcare system,
invest in community outreach, health education, and partnership that ensures no
child is left behind, he added.
Similarly, Gilles Fagninou, regional representative, UNICEF, Western Central
Africa, said that every child deserves a healthy start in life.
Fagninou added that every child has the right to life-saving vaccines that could protect them from preventable diseases, hence the passion to inspire action and awareness through music.
He said, “We are immensely proud of this collaboration that has brought
together voices of talented musicians and UNICEF ambassadors to advocate for
complete immunisation coverage.
“Today’s event is a celebration of music, a celebration of love, a
commitment of love, and it is also a powerful call to action. We are here
because every child deserves a healthy start in life.
“Music is universal, transcends borders, goes beyond languages, breaks
barriers, and it speaks about our emotions through the no more zero song.
“The music has amplified a message that is critical to the well-being of
children across the region. We need more action.”
Earlier, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of Lagos State Governor, while giving
her keynote address urged stakeholders to invest in strengthening primary
health care systems and expanding immunisation coverage.
Sanwo-Olu described the occasion as special, adding that it coincided with
the World Polio Day.
“This is symbolising resilience, dedication and collaboration of
stakeholders, from the government to international organisations, healthcare
workers and local communities.
“The day is dedicated to the global effort to protect our children
from polio and other preventable diseases, Nigeria has made remarkable progress
in reducing and tackling the issue.
“However, our journey is not yet complete. There remain many children who
are not fully immunised, leaving them at risk for disease that can be
prevented. Today’s launch is not just a celebration or a showcase of music. It
is a call to action.
“Let us work together to spread awareness and support to health workers, when we do something collectively, collaborate, and I think more countries and regions in Africa need to do this if we really, really want to kick out polio and other preventable diseases.
A major highlight of the event was the fireside chats with paralympic
athletes who have survived polio, as well as conversations with music stars who
have lent their voices to the advocacy for complete immunisation.
One of them, Victoria Nneji, a Paralympian and polio survivor, urged parents
to prioritise their children's immunisation.
Also, Cobhams Asuquo, a UNICEF Champion and Nigerian Music Producer, urged
people to join the movement in the fight against preventable diseases, such as
polio.
According to him, together, we have the power to protect every child’s
future and eradicate these diseases for good, join us in this mission let’s spread
hope and health across Africa.
“Let us work to ensure that every child receives the vital vaccine they
deserve, protecting their future and our world.
