Musicians, celebrities release ‘No More Zero Dose’ song to end polio

Some music stars and celebrity actors from across West and Central Africa have released a new song titled “No More Zero Dose” to help bring childhood immunisation back on track.

This is contained in a statement by UNICEF made available to newsmen on Friday in Lagos.

The song, which was released in commemoration of the World Polio Day, brings together 12 of the region’s top musicians and UNICEF Champions: Cobhams, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Master Soumy, Mawndoe, Omawumi, Qing Madi, Sekouba Bambino, Spyro, Stanley Enow, Timi Dakolo and WAJE.

Through the song, they sent a clear message that “every child deserves to be protected by vaccines.

They stressed the urgent need to reach zero-dose children—those who have not received any vaccination—and protect them from preventable childhood diseases like polio, measles and more.

According to the statement, West and Central Africa is the region with the lowest immunisation coverage in the world.

It said that Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP3) coverage for the region was 69 per cent in 2023, down from 72 per cent in 2019, saying that the region also experienced multiple vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in recent years, including polio, measles, diphtheria and yellow fever.

“So far this year (as of 22 October 2024), there have been 138 polio cases in Africa, and nearly half of infected children were in Nigeria. In 2023, there were 506 polio cases in Africa.

“With nearly 4.3 million children across the region not receiving vital vaccines, ‘No More Zero Dose’ delivers a call to action through music.

“By fusing vibrant sounds with a message of hope, love, and protection, the artists hope to inspire listeners to join the movement to protect every child,” the statement said.

The UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, said that Zero-dose children were the most vulnerable, and ensuring they receive life-saving vaccines was critical for their future.

“UNICEF is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.

“We can and must reach every child and eradicate polio,” Fagninou said.

A Nigerian music producer, Cobhams Asuquo, who spearheaded the collaboration, emphasised the need for collective action to ensure that every child receives the vital vaccine they deserve.

“Therefore, I urge everyone to join us in 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; let’s spread hope and health across Africa,” Asuquo said.

The UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, said the project was significant for Nigeria, a country still facing a high number of under-vaccinated children.

Munduate said that the release of the ‘No More Zero Dose’ song featuring 12 talented artists from across West and Central Africa, eight of whom were 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 missed.

“This collaborative effort serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, the fight to end zero-dose cases continues, ” Munduate said.