The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) has recorded significant success in its ongoing immunisation campaign, with about 89 per cent of targeted children vaccinated across the State, marking another major milestone in the Lagos State Government’s drive to safeguard the health and future of its children.
Following this achievement, the Board has announced plans to commence an intensive mop-up exercise aimed at identifying and vaccinating children who were missed during the initial phase of the campaign due to absence, movement, misinformation, or other logistical challenges.
Speaking on the development, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, described the outcome as a reflection of strong collaboration between government, health workers, community leaders, development partners, and parents.
“The vaccination of 89% of our targeted children is a clear indication that Lagosians understand the importance of immunisation in protecting the lives of our children. This success is commendable, but it is not the end of the journey. Every child matters, and we are determined to ensure that no eligible child is left unprotected”, Dr. Mustafa said.
He explained that the mop-up phase will involve house-to-house visits, community outreach activities, and intensified engagement at health facilities to ensure that all missed children receive life-saving vaccines.
“The mop-up exercise is a critical final step. Some children were missed because their parents were unavailable, some families were out of town, while others may have had concerns or lacked adequate information. Our health teams will be returning to communities to close these gaps and provide accurate information where needed”, he added.
Dr. Mustafa emphasised that routine immunisation is safe, effective, and free, noting that vaccines used in Lagos State meet national and international safety standards and are approved by relevant regulatory authorities.
“Vaccines protect children against dangerous diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough and tuberculosis. These diseases can cause severe complications, disability, or even death, yet they are completely preventable through timely vaccination. Immunisation is not just a personal choice; it is a collective responsibility to protect our communities,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary reassured parents and caregivers that trained health professionals will continue to administer vaccines with the highest standards of care while maintaining proper storage, handling, and documentation procedures.
He further appealed to parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders, market associations, and community influencers to support the mop-up exercise by encouraging families to present their children for vaccination and by dispelling myths and misinformation about vaccines.
“We urge parents and caregivers to take advantage of this opportunity. Bring your children to the nearest primary health care centre or welcome our health workers when they visit your homes. Vaccination is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child, a healthy start to life and a stronger future”, Dr. Mustafa appealed.
The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board reiterated its commitment to achieving optimal immunisation coverage in line with the State Government’s health agenda under the THEMES Plus and global best practices, assuring residents that continuous monitoring and community engagement will remain a priority.
