The Federal Government has launched a nationwide child health and immunisation advocacy campaign aimed at improving learning outcomes, reducing preventable diseases, and strengthening human capital development across Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, during the maiden edition of the Kids Dialogue Series held at Government Science Secondary School, Pyakasa, Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “Empowering Youth Voices to Shape Health, Learning and Well-being in Nigeria,” the minister emphasized the strong connection between child health and educational success. He noted that inadequate immunisation continues to affect school attendance, academic performance, and the overall productivity of the nation’s future workforce.
Addressing students at the event, Alausa encouraged young people to take an active interest in their health and vaccination status, describing good health as a foundation for educational achievement.
The programme featured testimonies from survivors of vaccine-preventable diseases, who shared experiences ranging from prolonged hospitalisation to permanent disabilities, blindness, hearing impairment, and mobility challenges. According to the minister, these stories highlighted the importance of routine childhood immunisation and preventive healthcare.
Alausa stressed that healthy children are more likely to remain in school, learn effectively, and contribute meaningfully to national development. He added that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to advancing human capital development through integrated education and health policies.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand vaccination coverage against diseases such as measles, polio, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), noting that the HPV vaccine provides protection against certain forms of cancer.
Representatives of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, education stakeholders, health advocates, and civil society organisations participated in the event.
Speaking during the programme, Muyi Aina encouraged students to become health ambassadors within their schools and communities. He stressed the importance of immunisation and primary healthcare services in protecting children from preventable diseases and ensuring healthier futures.
The event concluded with an interactive session where students engaged policymakers on issues relating to health services, vaccination, and access to healthcare.
The Federal Government announced plans to expand the Kids Dialogue Series to schools across the country as part of a sustained effort to promote health awareness, improve immunisation uptake, and support better educational outcomes among Nigerian children.
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