In celebration of World Polio Day, leading music stars and celebrity actors from across West and Central Africa have teamed up with UNICEF to release a new song titled “No More Zero Dose”, aimed at restoring childhood immunisation efforts.
The song seeks to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinating children against preventable diseases, particularly focusing on the millions of children who have yet to receive any vaccinations.
The star-studded collaboration features 12 of the region’s top musicians and UNICEF Champions, including Cobhams Asuquo, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Master Soumy, Mawndoe, Omawumi, Qing Madi, Sekouba Bambino, Spyro, Stanley Enow, Timi Dakolo, and WAJE. Together, these artists have come together to deliver a powerful message: every child deserves protection through vaccines.
The song aims to draw attention to the urgent need to reach nearly 4.3 million children across the region who have not received any vaccinations, leaving them vulnerable to diseases such as polio, measles, and diphtheria.
The music video for “No More Zero Dose” has been launched on YouTube, and the song will soon be available on popular streaming platforms.
In a statement, UNICEF stressed that while progress has been made in vaccinating children, the fight to eliminate zero-dose cases continues. Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines.
“Zero-dose children are the most vulnerable, and ensuring they receive life-saving vaccines is critical for their future. This song amplifies that message. We can and must reach every child and eradicate polio,” said Fagninou.
Nigerian music producer Cobhams Asuquo, who spearheaded the collaboration, urged communities to join the fight against preventable diseases like polio.
“Together, we have the power to protect every child’s future and eradicate these diseases for good. Let us work to ensure that every child receives the vital vaccine they deserve, protecting their future and our world,” said Cobhams.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, highlighted the importance of the project for Nigeria, a country still grappling with a high number of undervaccinated children.
“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,” Munduate stated.
West and Central Africa currently have the world’s lowest immunisation coverage, with Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) coverage at 69 percent in 2023, down from 72 percent in 2019. The region has also faced multiple outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, including polio, measles, diphtheria, and yellow fever.
As of October 22, 2024, there have been 138 polio cases reported in Africa, with nearly half occurring in Nigeria. In 2023, the continent recorded 506 polio cases.
