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During a recent episode of Mata A Yau, a popular program on Nigeria’s Arewa24, viewers across Northern Nigeria tuned in for an engaging discussion about protecting children through routine immunization. The program hosted Dr. Larai Aliyu Tambuwal, Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Shamsiyya Abubakar, Assistant Field Manager with New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE).

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Equal Protection for Every Child

Dr. Larai Tambuwal emphasized the All Babies program’s core principle: that all children deserve equal access to vaccines.

“Illness does not distinguish between the poor and the rich,” she noted. “That is why All Babies Are Equal is such a blessing. It ensures every child has a fair chance at life.”

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She explained how diseases like measles, polio, and tuberculosis once claimed countless young lives in the region, but vaccines now offer protection if parents take advantage of them.

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Tackling Barriers through Support

For many parents, reaching health facilities remains a challenge due to distance, poor roads, and transport costs. NI-ABAE helps overcome these barriers by providing small cash incentives to caregivers and supporting health workers with transport allowances. As Dr. Tambuwal explained,

“When New Incentives came with their program, they focused solely on routine immunization. By helping mothers with transport fare, more are now able to bring their children to the clinic,” said Dr. Tambuwal.

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A Growing Impact

Shamsiyya Abubakar highlighted how the program has grown since 2017, expanding from just 98 clinics in three states to more than 7,000 health facilities across 11 states.

“This year, the number of children who have benefited surpassed five million,” she said proudly. “And by 2028, our goal is to reach another five million, and more.”

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She added that in Kano State alone, over one million infants have been enrolled, and community awareness has grown significantly.

“Before, you might find only three or four caregivers at a clinic. Today, you can see 40 or 50 mothers waiting in line for immunization.”

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Breaking Misconceptions

Both guests acknowledged that misconceptions remain a challenge, with some parents refusing vaccines due to myths about infertility or religious beliefs. The program works with community and religious leaders to address these doubts and build trust.

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Dr. Tambuwal reminded viewers that “Immunization is safe. It has been saving lives since the 1960s. Today, polio is almost gone, and measles outbreaks have greatly reduced. Parents should know this is for their children’s health.”

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A Shared Responsibility

The discussion closed with a reminder that child health is a shared responsibility. Parents, communities, health workers, and the government must all work together to ensure no child is left unprotected.

“If you refuse to listen, you won’t be able to refuse paying the price,” the presenters noted collectively, underscoring the costs of preventable illness compared to the simple act of vaccination.

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Every parent has the power to protect their child’s future. Complete your child’s immunization schedule because prevention is always better than cure.

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The All Babies’ program remains committed to supporting government partners to strengthen immunization systems, reducing zero-dose cases, and giving every child the chance to grow up healthy and strong.

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