Seizing every opportunity: How UNICEF and Partners are reaching Zero-Dose Children in Cameroon
In Cameroon, the COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant mark on routine immunization services, leading to a rise in the number of “zero-dose” children, those who have never received a single vaccine. From 2020 to 2023, the country saw a gradual increase in under-vaccinated children, with a staggering 495,999 children between the ages of 12 and 59 months missing out on life-saving immunizations.
Marginalized communities, particularly those in inaccessible areas like poor peri-urban regions, nomadic populations, and compromised security zones, have been hit hardest. Recognizing this, Cameroon’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and its partners, including UNICEF, have been tirelessly working to dismantle the barriers preventing parents from vaccinating their children.
One of the critical efforts to address this issue occurred during the yellow fever vaccination campaign in Douala from July 24 to 30, 2024. UNICEF, alongside WHO and the Government of Cameroon, set a bold target: to identify and vaccinate nearly 2,000 zero-dose children under five. To achieve this, around 100 special catch-up teams were mobilized.
In the Bonassama district, a dedicated team from the Bilingue health area braved the pouring rain to reach three children who had missed several vaccination appointments. Carine, the vaccinator, and Hervé, the recorder, were guided by Gisèle, a social mobilizer, as they navigated through the flooded streets of the Forêt Bar district. Despite the challenging conditions, their determination led them to the humble home of David and Viviane Gondje.
David, originally from Touboro in the North Cameroon region, moved to Douala in 2013 hoping for a better life. However, financial hardship and a lack of employment opportunities forced his wife Viviane to give birth to their three children Doraline, aged 5; Victoire, aged 3; and Jonathan, aged 2at home without any medical assistance. Unaware of the availability of free vaccinations and fearful of potential mistreatment by medical staff, the Gondje family lived for nearly five years without any of their children receiving a single immunisation.
Viviane recalls the terrifying moment when they almost lost their youngest son, Jonathan, to severe malaria at just one year old.
“We almost lost him when he was a year old. A neighbor saved his life by treating him and giving us medicine,” she remembers.
Despite this scare, the couple still hadn’t taken their children for vaccinations until Gisèle, the social mobilizer, discovered their situation during her door-to-door outreach activities.
Speaking with Viviane in her native language, Gisèle reassured her that it wasn’t too late to catch up on the missed vaccinations. Comforted by this, Viviane promised to welcome the vaccination team into her home. As a result, Doraline, Victoire, and Jonathan received the vaccines they had missed, protecting them against diseases like tuberculosis, polio, measles, tetanus, whooping cough, and viral hepatitis B.
“I didn’t hesitate to have my children vaccinated when I saw the team coming, since my children have been vaccinated, I’ve had peace of mind and I’m no longer afraid to take them to the hospital.” said David, now relieved that his children are protected.
Like the Gondje children, hundreds of zero-dose children aged 12 to 59 months have now been vaccinated, closing the gap in immunization coverage, and providing them with a safer, healthier future.
UNICEF, alongside its partners, remains committed to reaching every child, no matter how difficult the journey.
Written by Fabrice Coula and Diane Abe Eyenga
