Paediatricians and public health experts have called on the Nigerian Federal Government to introduce reward and incentive-based policies to boost childhood immunisation rates across the country. They argue that positive reinforcement, rather than punitive measures, is key to overcoming vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake among children.
Speaking ahead of World Immunisation Week (April 24–30), the experts emphasized that linking immunisation compliance to tangible benefits-such as school enrolment or material support-could motivate parents to ensure their children complete the full vaccination schedule. The schedule includes vaccines against tuberculosis (BCG), polio (OPV), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DPT), hepatitis B, measles, and yellow fever, administered from birth through early childhood.
Incentives Proven to Work
Several initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in northern regions, have demonstrated the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers (CCTs) in improving vaccination coverage. For example, the non-profit New Incentives offers small cash payments to caregivers who bring their children for routine immunisations. Studies show that such programs can increase vaccination rates by 9 to 18 percentage points, significantly reducing child mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.
New Incentives’ model provides up to ₦11,000 (about $9.50) in cash incentives over the full immunisation cycle, including a bonus for completing all scheduled vaccines. This approach addresses barriers such as transportation costs and lost income from time off work, which often prevent caregivers from accessing free vaccines at government clinics.
Avoiding Coercion and Building Trust
Experts warn that coercive or punitive policies may backfire by increasing resistance among hesitant parents. Instead, they advocate for comprehensive health education campaigns and community engagement involving religious and traditional leaders to build trust and awareness about the benefits of vaccination.
Improving vaccine access in hard-to-reach areas and ensuring reliable vaccine supply chains are also critical components of a successful immunisation strategy.
Government Role and Next Steps
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare currently provides the national immunisation schedule and oversees vaccine delivery. Experts suggest that integrating incentive programs into national policy, supported by adequate funding and monitoring, could accelerate progress toward higher immunisation coverage.
World Immunisation Week serves as a reminder of the collective effort needed to protect children from preventable diseases and reduce under-five mortality in Nigeria, which remains among the highest globally.