The UNICEF–Republic of Korea (ROK)–CHAN ZERO-IT Project is a transformative immunisation systems strengthening initiative designed to reach zero-dose and under-immunised children in some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable and underserved communities. Implemented through a strategic partnership between UNICEF, the Republic of Korea, and CHAN, the project directly contributes to Nigeria’s efforts to close immunisation gaps, strengthen routine immunisation systems, and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The project is currently being implemented across 104 LGAs in 9 states, Adamawa, Bauchi, FCT, Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Bayelsa, Kebbi, and Ondo, using a targeted, equity-driven approach that prioritises children and communities most often left behind by health systems.
Dual Strategic Focus
The ZERO-IT Project is implemented through two complementary intervention streams:
Strengthening Immunisation Systems & Reaching Zero-Dose Children
Implemented across 40 selected LGAs in Adamawa, Bauchi, FCT, Lagos, Niger, and Ogun States, this component focuses on identifying, tracking, and vaccinating zero-dose and under-immunised children through strengthened routine immunisation systems.
Key interventions include: Community-based defaulter tracking systems, strengthening fixed and outreach immunisation services, Periodic Intensification of Routine Immunisation (PIRI), community engagement and demand generation activities and capacity building for frontline health workers and community mobilisers
Through these interventions, the project is reaching children in hard-to-reach settlements, urban slums, markets, schools, IDP camps, and other underserved locations where immunity gaps remain highest.
2. Malaria Vaccine Intensification
The second component supports the intensification of malaria vaccination activities across all LGAs in Bayelsa, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Ondo States, helping to expand access to one of the newest and most critical child survival interventions in Nigeria.
By integrating malaria vaccination into routine immunisation systems and community outreach structures, the project is strengthening community acceptance, improving uptake, and supporting broader child health outcomes in high-burden settings.
Community-Centred Implementation Model
At the heart of ZERO-IT is a strong community systems approach that leverages trusted local structures and grassroots engagement to improve immunisation access and demand. CHAN supports the mobilisation and coordination of thousands of community mobilisers, supervisors, Ward Development Committees, and frontline health workers to ensure that missed children are identified, tracked, and vaccinated.
Driving Equity Through Innovation
The ZERO-IT Project reflects a deliberate commitment to health equity by prioritising children living in underserved, low-performing, and hard-to-reach communities. Through targeted outreach, integrated service delivery, and real-time community engagement, the project is helping to reduce the number of zero-dose children while strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s immunisation system.
The initiative also contributes directly to the goals of the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) by advancing universal immunisation coverage, reducing disease outbreaks, and ensuring that every child—regardless of geography or circumstance—has access to life-saving vaccines.
