The Lagos State Government has announced plans to launch a statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign following the detection of an orphan circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) in Makoko, Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
The campaign, which is being coordinated by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other implementing partners, will commence on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
According to the Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, the detection of the virus through environmental surveillance in the densely populated riverine community of Makoko indicates possible ongoing transmission. He emphasized that the discovery highlights the need for swift and comprehensive action to prevent further spread and strengthen population immunity.
As part of the response, the State Government will conduct two intensive rounds of house-to-house vaccination campaigns across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.
Dr. Mustafa explained that the exercise will target all children under the age of five, regardless of their previous vaccination status. Each child will receive two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2) — a formulation certified safe and effective by both the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
“Our goal is to ensure that every eligible child in Lagos receives the polio vaccine and remains protected from paralysis,” Dr. Mustafa said. “The detection of this virus is a reminder that polio remains a threat until it is completely eradicated. We therefore urge all parents, caregivers, and community leaders to open their doors to health workers and cooperate fully with the vaccination teams.”
He further noted that the State has strengthened surveillance, vaccine logistics, and risk communication systems to guarantee a smooth implementation of the campaign. The government has also engaged Local Government Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Market Associations, and Health Workers’ Unions to encourage community participation and support.
Dr. Mustafa assured residents that the vaccine is safe, free of charge, and will be administered by trained health workers who are equipped to manage cold chain systems and monitor any potential adverse reactions.
The Lagos State Government is urging parents, guardians, and residents to ensure that every child under five receives the vaccine during the campaign period. Full cooperation from households and communities, officials stressed, is vital to keep Lagos polio-free and protect the health of future generations.
