Lagos reaches 89% immunization coverage target

The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board has announced that it has reached 89 per cent vaccination coverage of children targeted in the ongoing statewide immunisation campaign. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Boards Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, described the milestone as evidence of the state governments strong commitment to protecting the health and future of children in Lagos. The campaign, which began on January 27, is a week-long Measles-Rubella and Routine Immunisation exercise taking place across all local government areas and local council development areas in the state. Mustafa attributed the progress recorded so far to effective collaboration among government agencies, health workers, community leaders, development partners and parents. The vaccination of 89 per cent of our targeted children clearly shows that Lagosians understand the importance of immunisation in safeguarding the lives of their children, he said. While this success is encouraging, it does not mark the end of the process. Every child counts, and we are committed to ensuring that no eligible child is left unprotected. He revealed that the Board would commence an intensive mop-up exercise to reach children who were missed during the initial phase of the campaign. According to him, some children were not vaccinated due to absence from home, movement, misinformation or logistical challenges. The mop-up phase will include house-to-house visits, expanded community outreach and increased engagement at health facilities to ensure all missed children receive the required vaccines. Mustafa reassured residents that routine immunisation in Lagos is safe, effective and free of charge, stressing that all vaccines used are approved by relevant regulatory bodies and meet both national and international safety standards. Vaccines protect children from dangerous diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and tuberculosis, he said. These illnesses can lead to severe complications, long-term disability or death, yet they are entirely preventable through timely vaccination. He emphasised that immunisation goes beyond individual choice, describing it as a shared responsibility necessary to protect entire communities. The Permanent Secretary also assured parents and caregivers that trained health professionals would continue to administer vaccines following strict standards of care, including proper storage, handling and documentation. He called on parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders, as well as community influencers, to actively support the campaign by encouraging families to vaccinate their children and by countering myths and misinformation about vaccines. Parents and caregivers should take full advantage of this opportunity by bringing their children to the nearest primary health care centre or welcoming health workers into their homes, Mustafa said. Vaccination is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child, a healthy beginning and a stronger future. The post Lagos reaches 89% immunization coverage target appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.