Mass Immunization Campaign Launched in Lagos, Nigeria
A two-week mass immunization campaign is set to begin in Lagos, Nigeria, on October 19, 2024, aimed at protecting children from life-threatening diseases. The campaign, launched by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, will target children aged nine to 59 months and female teenagers.
According to Dr. Adetona Akinpelu, Immunisation Programme Coordinator for the Lagos State Public Health Board, the campaign aims to close immunity gaps widened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Akinpelu emphasized the importance of media involvement in educating the public to ensure the campaign’s success. The campaign will require 63,981 personnel, including 14,218 health workers, to carry out the exercise.
The campaign will target 21 million residents, covering approximately 80% of Lagos State’s population, and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases. Akinpelu acknowledged the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as the "Japa syndrome," but expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness through partnerships with public and private sectors, healthcare training institutions, and retired health professionals.
Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, stressed that the campaign is part of efforts to reduce the 2.3 million unimmunized children in Nigeria, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas. Lafoucriere warned that these "zero-dose children" are at significant risk of death due to a lack of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Assistant Immunisation Programme Officer for the Lagos State Public Health Board, Dr. Adeniyi Adebayo, emphasized the importance of vaccinating every child, explaining that zero-dose children are highly vulnerable to diseases, while under-immunized children are those whose vaccinations were incomplete. Adebayo urged parents to take advantage of the free vaccines provided in Nigeria to ensure their children’s health.
A Social and Behaviour Change Specialist at UNICEF, Aderonke Akinwole, called for greater commitment from the government and stakeholders to address vaccine coverage challenges. Akinwole noted that many Nigerian communities harbor misconceptions about vaccines, with some believing that because previous generations survived without them, current generations do not need them. She warned that such beliefs are dangerous and urged for a culturally sensitive approach to dispel these myths.
The campaign aims to increase the vaccination rate by 50% annually and by 30% by 2025. Lafoucriere appealed to the media to help raise awareness, dispel misinformation, and promote vaccination.
The mass immunization campaign is a crucial step in protecting the health and well-being of children in Lagos, Nigeria, and the international community is encouraged to support this effort.
