By Ude, Ogbonnaya Israel
A Father’s Pain Becomes a Mission
Supported by a wooden walking stick with every step, Balarabe Musa is a polio survivor and father who dreams of a healthier future for children in Larisky, Misau LGA of Bauchi State.
His walking stick echoes scars of childhood polio that tried to rob him of freedom. But today, with other fathers, Balarabe is turning pain into purpose—fighting the spread of polio.
“I don’t want another child in our community to suffer what I suffered,” he told Albarka Radio. “Polio cripples families, not just children.”
Balarabe is a member of Fathers for Good Health (F4H) — a grassroots initiative transforming immunization acceptance in Bauchi.
Zero-Dose Burden
Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest zero-dose burden worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation WHO (2024). The Pediatric Association of Nigeria PAN estimates 2.2 million unvaccinated children in West Africa are in Nigeria, while United Children’s Fund UNICEF recently revealed that Bauchi alone has over 556,000 children unvaccinated across 13 LGAs.
The Birth of F4H
F4H was launched in June 2024 by UNICEF after recognizing that fathers’ refusal was a key driver of zero-dose children.
“We had many women-led interventions, but men—the decision-makers—weren’t engaged,” said UNICEF Behaviour Change Specialist in Bauchi, Eki George. “So, we made fathers the drivers.”
Using human-centered design, UNICEF piloted the initiative in Misau and Ningi LGAs. The results were clear: when fathers spoke, families listened. Today, F4H has spread to 10 LGAs in Bauchi, 10 in Gombe, 12 in Adamawa, and 5 in Plateau.
Fathers Leading Fathers
Balarabe’s story convinces other fathers. “My disability is proof. When I talk, they listen,” he said.
Other members in Misau described strategies that work: referral cards to track immunization, man-to-man counseling, and peer follow-up.
“We record success,” said Ahmad Mohammed. “Before, fathers didn’t bother. Now they not only immunize their children but also convince others.”
Still, challenges persist. “Some fathers resist, saying only God protects children,” admitted Alkashim Bashir. “And reaching remote areas without transport is tough.”
Misau vs. Ningi: A Tale of Two LGAs
In Misau, fathers have backing. The Local Government Chairman, Hon. Salisu Hussain Hardawa, donated a car and bicycles for outreach. “We see results,” confirmed PHC Director Ibrahim Abdullahi Maikano, noting how volunteers now flag newborns for vaccination within hours of birth.
In Ningi, however, support is absent. Fathers trek hours to reach villages without transport or incentives. “It discourages us,” said Yahaya Ado, stressing the need for logistics to sustain the effort.
Scaling What Works
The F4H model isn’t a silver bullet, but it works. Misau proves that local government support—mobility, small incentives, and training—transforms volunteer energy into measurable impact.
Already, neighbouring states are adapting the model. The lesson is simple: replicate Misau’s support structure across all LGAs to sustain momentum.
Balarabe’s crutches are no longer just reminders of loss. They are symbols of hope for a new generation—children walking freely because fathers chose to act.
This report was produced by Albarka Radio 97.5FM Bauchi, supported by Nigeria Health Watch through the Solutions Journalism Africa Initiative.