As the Lagos State Ministry of Health gears up to immunize 21 million residents against preventable diseases starting October 19, Dr. Akinpelu Adetola, the Immunization Program Coordinator for the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, provided crucial updates during a recent media dialogue in Lagos. This dialogue aims to enhance routine immunization efforts and reduce the number of zero-dose cases, with the theme, “Achieving the Health Sector SDGs for Over Two Million Children at Risk of Death in Nigeria.”
Dr. Adetola shared that discussions are well underway with nearly 64,000 personnel and over 14,000 healthcare workers to support this essential initiative. He expressed confidence in the board’s completion of the mapping process and assured that there will be enough healthcare professionals involved in this significant campaign, which also seeks to address the immunization gaps left by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our primary focus is to vaccinate residents against measles and yellow fever, and to provide girls who haven’t received the HPV vaccine with the opportunity to do so,” Dr. Adetola explained. He detailed that, “For measles, we’re targeting children aged 9 to 59 months. This is a critical opportunity for those who missed their first dose, as well as for those in need of their second or booster shots. Our ultimate goal is to achieve herd immunity.”
Dr. Adetola also noted that yellow fever vaccinations will be available for individuals aged 9 months to 44 years, reaching about 80% of the state’s population—laying the groundwork for the 21 million residents targeted by the immunization campaign.
He acknowledged UNICEF’s vital role in addressing gaps within the campaign, emphasizing the importance of their advocacy in generating robust political support for healthcare interventions in Lagos. “To achieve this goal, we need collective effort. It’s a monumental task, but with our partnerships, including collaboration with the media, we can ensure that accurate information is delivered to the public promptly, so they understand the significance of this vaccination campaign,” he stated.
Dr. Adetola accentuated the importance of closing the immunity gaps that have emerged from interruptions in routine vaccination schedules. “Vaccination not only alleviates the strain on our healthcare system but also reduces financial burdens on parents. Fewer sick children translate to less financial strain on families and more opportunities for parents to engage in economic activities. It’s a win-win for everyone. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for governments to protect their citizens,” he emphasized.
During a visit to the Badore Primary Health Care Center in Eti-Osa, journalists sought to learn more about immunization coverage, particularly among mothers and their children. Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Chinyere Osunlana reported that the facility is open daily for vaccinations, ensuring that an officer is always available to administer shots.
“We provide vitamin A to enhance children’s eyesight and boost their immunity,” Mrs. Osunlana explained. “We administer the hepatitis B vaccine, the oral polio vaccine, and a five-in-one vaccine known as Penta. We also provide IPV to further reduce polio risk, along with measles, yellow fever, and meningitis vaccines. We make sure that all these vaccines are consistently available from Monday through Sunday. Whenever you visit our facility, you’ll find vaccines ready and someone here to assist you.”
