Immunization is a highly effective way to reduce child mortality rates globally. However, nearly 2.5 million children in Nigeria annually do not receive their required immunization doses, and an additional 500,000 children remain unvaccinated due to limited access to vaccines, healthcare worker shortages, lack of vaccine storage facilities, and the mismanagement of funds by health workers. The mismanagement of immunization funds jeopardizes children’s health in many communities and has far-reaching implications for their future well-being. This corruption leads to roughly 22 percent of childhood deaths due to vaccine-preventable illnesses each year.

Fraud in immunization has hindered progress over the years, mainly due to the corrupt practices of government officials. This leaves vulnerable communities like Ofakaga susceptible to preventable diseases. Despite Benue State being ranked among the top states in Nigeria for immunization coverage, corrupt health officials have hampered efforts to eradicate polio in the state.

Mrs. Momoh, a focal person specializing in immunization, was deeply concerned about the devastating effects of corruption on her community. She committed herself to ensuring that every child in the Ofakaga community in Benue State received the necessary immunizations. Unfortunately, Mrs. Momoh faced constant battles with top government officials who sought to divert funds allocated for vaccination, undermining the immunization program and putting children’s lives at risk.

“The government officials are diverting immunization funds, which is becoming a norm in my ward. It was frustrating, and at one point, I said to myself, if this is a regular practice in other communities or wards, it would be different here. I took it upon myself to ensure that practice was stopped,” Mrs. Momoh said.

As the focal person for immunization in her community, she encountered numerous challenges and obstacles. She often faced resistance and hostility from top officials determined to have their way. However, Mrs. Momoh remained steadfast in her commitment to the health and well-being of the children in her community. Her battle against the top officials symbolized the struggle for the rights of the community’s children.

Mrs. Momoh recounted her challenges: “I was constantly threatened by the top government officials bent on diverting immunization funds in my ward, but I often called it a bluff. One day, when I was going back home, my bike was stolen. It was a challenging moment. I came home and told my husband I couldn’t continue with the program anymore, but he said I should continue as those were part of the temptation. The program came again, and I was the coordinator. They asked us to siphon the money again. When I refused, they laughed at me, saying I didn’t learn from the first robbery and maybe they should teach me more lessons.”

Despite the immense pressure and feeling mentally drained from the constant battle with government officials, Mrs. Momoh remained resolute in her commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of the children in her community. However, after facing immense pressure, she eventually stepped down as the focal person for immunization in her community.

The consequences of Mrs. Momoh’s resignation were significant. The community suffered a setback in its immunization efforts, with many children missing crucial vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to preventable diseases. The lack of proper immunization led to outbreaks of diseases that could have been prevented. Her resignation had a lasting negative impact on the community and its immunization programs.

After Mrs. Momoh left, a new person took over the immunization project, but reports soon emerged about the constant diversion of funds. The situation worsened, and immunization coverage in the community suffered. Realizing the severity of the problem, the head of Mrs. Momoh’s department begged her to return and take charge of the project. With encouragement from her family and community leaders, she returned to work, determined to end the diversion of immunization funds.

Witnessing the devastating consequences of her resignation, Mrs. Momoh was determined to create lasting change in her community. With her department head’s help, she boldly wrote letters to top officials, urging them to stop diverting immunization funds and allocate the necessary resources to her ward. Her unwavering determination and bravery inspired others to join her cause, and soon, a movement began to take shape. Through her tireless efforts and the community’s support, Mrs. Momoh brought attention to the issue and pressured officials to stop diverting funds.

To her surprise and relief, the officials responded positively to the letters, and funds were fully sent to her ward. Since then, there have been no more reports of officers diverting funds, and proper immunizations have been carried out in the community. Her perseverance led to a policy change that ensured immunization funds’ protection and correct use. Her determination and resilience restored the integrity of the immunization program in her community and set a precedent for accountability and transparency in allocating funds. Her unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the children in her community has brought about positive and lasting change.

Mrs. Momoh’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance and the positive impact of standing up for what is right. Her courageous efforts saved lives and paved the way for her community’s brighter and healthier future. Mrs. Momoh’s story has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for health workers and communities nationwide. Her unwavering dedication to the health and well-being of the children in her community has helped change the narrative and ignite a movement for change.

The diversion of immunization funds by government officials is a grave injustice that puts the health and lives of countless individuals at risk. This unethical practice deprives communities of crucial resources for essential vaccines and undermines the trust and integrity of public health systems. As citizens, it is imperative that we hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency in allocating healthcare funds. We must speak out against corruption and advocate for properly utilizing resources to ensure everyone can access life-saving immunizations.

Government officials must prioritize their citizens’ health and well-being; diverting immunization funds is a betrayal of that duty. Government officials at all levels must commit to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency in healthcare funding.

Accountability Lab Nigeria’s Creative Storytelling Fellowship is proudly supported by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.