The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) in collaboration with its development partners, has flagged off the second round of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), with the official ceremony held in Epe LGA Secretariat.
Speaking at the flag-off, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Chief Mrs. Oluwatoyin Badejo emphasized that the health and development of children are pivotal to the future of any society. She noted that the present administration remains unwavering in its commitment to child health, and its efforts continue to yield positive results.
“We have witnessed a transformative journey in our healthcare sector, one that has significantly improved maternal and child health indicators in Lagos State. Our government has made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, equipping hospitals and clinics with state-of-the-art facilities. The expansion of primary healthcare centers has brought quality healthcare closer to the people, especially our children,” she stated.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu also highlighted several initiatives aimed at supporting mothers and children, including free antenatal care, immunization drives, the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, and nutrition programs. She commended the role of community outreach programs in empowering families with the knowledge to make informed health decisions.
She lauded the dedication of health workers whose tireless efforts have led to a reduction in maternal mortality and improved survival and well-being of children in their early years.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her consistent support. He explained that the immunization campaign will span four days, with an additional two days for mop-up activities to ensure no child is left behind.
The Permanent Secretary explained that to ensure the success of the program, a variety of strategies have been deployed, including fixed post teams at primary healthcare centers, house-to-house visits, and transit teams stationed at key public locations such as schools, markets, motor parks, and places of worship.
Dr. Mustafa emphasized that the focus of the campaign is to boost vaccination coverage, achieve herd immunity, and maintain Nigeria’s polio-free status noting that recent outbreaks in neighboring countries have underscored the importance of maintaining high immunity levels across communities.
During the campaign, health workers will also review child health cards and administer any missed routine vaccines, thereby offering protection against other vaccine-preventable diseases. Furthermore, the state is intensifying school-based outreach for the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer among adolescent girls.
Calling on stakeholders to support the campaign, Dr. Mustafa stated, “Every parent who ensures their child is immunized is contributing to a global effort to eradicate polio. We thank our hardworking health workers, coordinators, development partners, religious and community leaders for their continued dedication.”
“Let us join hands to protect every child in every ward and community. Together, we can build a healthier Lagos where no child suffers or dies from a vaccine preventable disease,” he concluded.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District 3, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke noted that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the vaccination is successful statewide. She assured that all areas will be touched including riverine areas and all other hard to reach areas .
Present at the ceremony were Permanent Secretaries of Lagos Health District 4, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Health District 5, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi and Health District 6, Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje.
Others are Vice Chairman of Epe Local Govt, Traditional rulers, representative of religious bodies, market leaders and other local Govt executives.
