As the vehicle approached the remote Basheti community in Borno State, apprehension filled the air. The tranquil yet tense atmosphere starkly contrasted with the recent turmoil from violent conflicts in nearby areas, which had claimed numerous innocent lives, including 26 women and children.

By the end of April 2025, the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) had embarked on a groundbreaking mission, administering a staggering 399,780 vaccine doses, including 14,062 for yellow fever, across Borno State. Their aim? To bring essential immunizations to children in Basheti, a community isolated from government health efforts due to a climate of distrust.

The Battle Against Misinformation

This crucial mission was part of the REACH project, supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The goal was clear: ensure that children affected by conflict receive lifesaving vaccines. However, skepticism loomed large in Basheti, primarily fueled by the wary local leader, Bukar Usman. As a respected figure of the Shuwa-Arab community and a father, Bukar's concerns created a significant barrier to vaccination efforts. Misinformation and fears led him to believe that vaccines posed more risks than benefits.

Initially, the CHAN team faced staunch resistance; Bukar and other elders rebuffed their attempts to engage. In many global vaccination campaigns, the role of trusted community leaders is critical in bridging the gap between health professionals and skeptical populations. Nigeria's successful polio eradication campaign illustrated this, as respected figures turned vaccine hesitancy into advocacy, successfully immunizing millions.

Recognizing Bukar's sway, the CHAN team approached with a strategy rooted in patience and respect. They listened carefully to the elders' concerns and delivered clear, factual information about vaccine safety and the urgent need for immunization.

Building Trust Through Dialogue

Their discussions also focused on addressing fears surrounding potential side effects, providing guidance on what to expect. This method proved effective, gradually easing anxieties and rebuilding trust. Notably, the urgency of their mission was heightened by recent outbreaks of yellow fever, which had resulted in 142 suspected cases in the previous year.

Bukar’s perspective began to shift as he considered the real-life impacts of preventable diseases he had witnessed. Through shared experiences and persuasive discussions, the groundwork for acceptance was laid.

A Community Transformed

The breakthrough came when Bukar and his fellow elders, once staunch opposers, embraced the idea of vaccination. It was a remarkable transformation; in a community that had once been bypassed by health initiatives, children were finally receiving protections against lethal diseases.

Now, after months of dedicated effort, the CHAN team was welcomed, marking a new chapter for Basheti. The environment changed from one of distrust to one of hope, with children who had never before been immunized finally under the shield of lifesaving vaccines.

Bukar Usman emerged as a staunch advocate, sharing with fervor, “We once feared vaccines, but now we know they save lives. I tell everyone in my community to protect their children.”

An Ongoing Mission

This paradigm shift not only enhanced health outcomes but also fortified the community amidst ongoing insecurity and limited healthcare access. By fostering trust and collaboration, CHAN transformed fear into hope, granting Basheti’s children a brighter, healthier future.

However, the journey toward building access to health services is continuous, requiring sustained effort and relationship-building in fragile, conflict-affected areas.