Adopt a PHC Naija Challenge Youth-led immunization drive across Borno State
Why Adopt a PHC?
Vaccines save lives. Over the last 50 years, they’ve prevented over 154 million deaths — that’s six lives saved every minute. Yet in fragile settings like Borno State, vaccine coverage remains dangerously low.
Despite progress, only 40% of children in Borno complete their full DTP vaccination series. This leaves thousands of children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
What's holding us back?
Misinformation
Widespread myths like vaccines causing infertility especially among nomadic communities, are a major obstacle.
Media-Driven Doubt
Social media and local rumors fuel mistrust, creating confusion around vaccine safety.
Low Literacy
Many caregivers lack the education to access or understand accurate health information, making them more vulnerable to fear-based messaging.
Youth Advocates: Driving Change
Young people are leading the charge through the Adopt a PHC Naija Challenge, a joint initiative of the Borno State Government, UNICEF, and FALUC.
They are:
- Seconded to Primary Healthcare Centres, working alongside healthcare workers
- Engaging communities directly, including through home visits and street campaigns
- Using digital platforms to debunk myths and build trust
Challenge Objectives
Increase Immunization Uptake
More children vaccinated through local PHC engagement and youth-led outreach.
Counter Misinformation
Creative and culturally sensitive education via social media, street theatre, and songs including the 'No More Zero Dose' Anthem.
Strengthen Community Networks
Activate youth advocates, community leaders, and PHC teams to sustain the effort beyond the project.
Who's Involved?
| Stakeholder | Role in the Challenge |
|---|---|
| Parents and Caregivers | Primary targets for vaccination uptake |
| Youth Advocates | Local champions bridging PHCs and communities |
| PHC Teams | Mentors and partners in service delivery |
| Community Leaders | Influencers legitimizing and amplifying outreach |
| Digital Community | Online audience reached through engaging content |
Challenge Activities
Orientation and Team Formation
- 30 youth trained in immunization, communication, and content creation
- Divided into 10 teams, each assigned to a PHC
PHC Immersion
- Each team engages with one PHC to understand local dynamics
- They collect baseline data and co-design interventions
Community Mapping and Dialogues
- Identify 100+ key influencers across wards
- Host 10 multi-stakeholder roundtables with LGA health teams, CSOs and community leaders
Outreach Activities
- 3 Outreach Walks per team (1/month)
- 180+ Home Visits (2/advocate/month)
- 60+ community activations targeting vaccine-hesitant households
Digital Campaign
Each youth advocate creates:
- 2 digital posts/month
- Total of 180+ videos, reels, and photo stories
- Stories that highlight testimonies and address vaccine myths
Hashtag Challenge
- TikTok and Instagram Reels, Vox Pops, Interviews
- Youth-generated content to drive engagement
Meet the Teams
Participating Primary Healthcare Centres
Here are the 10 PHCs adopted for the challenge in Borno State
| LGA | Ward | PHC Name |
|---|---|---|
| Jere | Galtimari | Fori Primary Health Care Center |
| Jere | Mairi (Jere) | Mairi Primary Health Care Center |
| Maiduguri | Shehuri North | Abbaganaram Primary Health Care Centre |
| Maiduguri | Lamisula Jabbamari | Wulari Primary Health Care Centre |
| Maiduguri | Gwange I | Gwange 1 Primary Health Care Center |
| Maiduguri | Gwange II | Gwange 2 Primary Health Care Center |
| Maiduguri | Gwange III | Gwange Primary Health Care Center |
| Maiduguri | Bolori I | Mala Kachallah Primary Health Centre |
| Maiduguri | Mafoni | Nana Kashim Primary Health Centre |
| Maiduguri | Shehuri South | Yerwa Primary Health Care Center |
Get Involved
Joing the challenge today!
- Support a Team
- Support a PHC with resources
- Share content #AdoptaPHCNaija and amplify youth voices