Success Stories
The SCOORI Initiative Makes Strides in Nigeria's Immunization Drive
““The SCOORI Initiative, targeting these three states—Cross River, Ogun, and Kwara—was launched to bolster routine immunization through optimized outreach sessions. In January, the project achieved significant milestones, immunizing over 18,000 children and vaccinating pregnant women. The number of children 0-11 months immunized were 10,399 in Cross River state and 4,125 in Kwara state.“
The SCOORI Project is a partnership between NSSF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to conduct and supervise optimized outreach sessions for Routine Immunization in Cross River, Ogun, and Kwara state. The SCOORI Initiative aimed at enhancing immunization coverage in Nigeria, has made remarkable strides in its initial phase.
This post summarizes the project’s journey, achievements, challenges, and the invaluable lessons learned during its first month of implementation in January 2024.
Nigeria has long grappled with inadequate immunization coverage, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases. Despite progress, the country still faces substantial challenges, with disparities in vaccine coverage persisting across regions. In 2021, we struggled with low vaccine coverage, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated vaccine hesitancy, posing additional hurdles to immunization efforts.
We identified hurdles that needed to be broken down and initiated engagement conversations with NPHCDA and other stakeholders in the immunization program. During these discussions, it became evident that there was a pressing need to provide financial support for optimized outreach sessions in Cross River, Ogun, and Kwara States. These states were selected based on their poor performance in the Q4, 2022 PAPA LQAS (Programme Assessment for Performance management and Action – Lots Quality Assurance Sampling), as they were among the 5 poorest performing states. Also, a financial mapping of resources for Routine Immunization revealed limited funding for these states.
The SCOORI Initiative, targeting these three states—Cross River, Ogun, and Kwara—was launched to bolster routine immunization through optimized outreach sessions. In January, the project achieved significant milestones, immunizing over 18,000 children and vaccinating pregnant women. The number of children 0-11 months immunized were 10,399 in Cross River state and 4,125 in Kwara state. For children 12-23 months, 3,464 were immunized in Cross River and 906 in Kwara. A total of 2,862 pregnant women were vaccinated against tetanus and diphtheria infection.
In Cross River, the donation helped in administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible communities. A total of 20,439 eligible persons were vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine.
The financial support to the states enabled the conducting of state stakeholder planning meetings, optimized outreach sessions, supportive supervision visits at ward, LGA, and state levels, biweekly performance review meetings, and states monthly data reporting. This collective effort of stakeholders at all levels, from state officials to community health workers through meticulous planning and coordinated action fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration.
SCOORI’s first month yielded valuable lessons, highlighting the importance of local partnerships, logistical support, and continuous capacity building among healthcare workers.
Looking ahead, we’d aim to intensify supportive supervision visits, enhance data reporting mechanisms, and address knowledge gaps through targeted training sessions.
To sustain momentum, the project advocates for increased logistical support, capacity building initiatives, and timely vaccine distribution to achieve its mission of bolstering Nigeria’s immunization landscape, heralding a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.
