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The Federal Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and UNICEF, has launched a renewed routine immunisation programme aimed at closing vaccine gaps and reaching underserved communities across Lagos.
A statement by the Lagos State government said the initiative, which builds on the gains recorded during the Measles-Rubella campaign, was officially flagged off on April 15, 2026, at the Badagry City Hall in Badagry.
The event drew government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, health workers and residents.
The programme is designed to sustain progress already made and expand access to life-saving vaccines, especially among children in hard-to-reach and riverine areas.
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Temitope Balogun, described the partnership as a major step towards protecting children’s health in the state.
She noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub and one of Africa’s largest economies, continues to experience rapid population growth, which presents both opportunities and challenges in delivering healthcare services.
Balogun pointed out that the issue of zero-dose and under-immunised children, particularly in remote communities, remains a serious concern that requires focused and sustained efforts.
According to her, the collaboration with the Republic of Korea and UNICEF will help the state identify missed children, improve vaccine access, strengthen routine immunisation systems, and build the capacity of frontline health workers.
She also commended the Republic of Korea for its support, describing it as a strong commitment to improving child survival and community health.
“The partnership with UNICEF and the Republic of Korea represents a strategic step toward closing immunisation gaps, improving equity in healthcare access, and ensuring that no child is left behind,” Balogun said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, described immunisation as one of the most effective and affordable public health interventions.
He said beyond protecting individual children, vaccination strengthens herd immunity and helps prevent diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria and meningitis.
“Diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and meningitis remain preventable through timely vaccination, underscoring the need for sustained community participation,” Hunpe said.
Hunpe highlighted the unique challenges faced in Badagry, including its riverine and border communities, which have limited access to healthcare services. He said the partnership is a crucial step towards bridging these gaps and ensuring that every child is reached.
He called on parents, caregivers and community leaders to support the programme by ensuring that eligible children receive their vaccines.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, said the district’s strong performance during the Measles-Rubella campaign was due to effective planning, leadership and community engagement.
He clarified that the campaign targeted children between nine months and 14 years and was carried out through outreach in markets,Y schools, religious centres and health facilities, where vaccines were provided free of charge.
“The campaign, which targeted children aged nine months to 14 years, was successfully implemented through intensified community mobilisation, strategic outreach, and the dedication of healthcare workers who ensured vaccines were administered free of charge across markets, schools, religious centres, and health facilities,” Asiyanbi noted.
Asiyanbi said the district achieved the highest vaccination coverage in the state, contributing significantly to the overall 95 per cent coverage recorded.
He added that the achievement marks an important step in preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and securing the health of future generations.
The Permanent Secretary also appreciated development partners, including UNICEF, the Republic of Korea and the World Health Organisation, for their continued support, alongside the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board and other stakeholders.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the Consular General of the Republic of Korea, as well as Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, for promoting inter-state collaboration.
Asiyanbi also commended key local stakeholders, including Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Yemarin, Hon. Samson Folorunso, traditional rulers, community groups, and healthcare workers for their roles in the success of the programme.
FG, Lagos govt move to close immunisation gaps in hard-to-reach communities
