The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with international and state partners, has launched a strengthened routine immunisation programme to expand vaccine coverage across Lagos State.
Eko Hot News reports that the initiative was flagged off at the Badagry City Hall. The programme builds on the success of the recent Measles Rubella campaign.
Key partners include the Republic of Korea, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Lagos State Health District V, and the Ogun State Government.
The initiative aims to sustain immunisation gains and improve access to life-saving vaccines. It places special focus on underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
The programme also aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government under Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Health officials say the initiative will strengthen disease prevention systems. It is expected to improve child survival rates across the state.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Temitope Balogun commended the Republic of Korea and UNICEF for their partnership support.
She described the intervention as a major milestone in protecting children’s health. According to her, Lagos faces both opportunities and challenges due to its growing population.
She noted that ensuring equitable healthcare access remains a priority. This is especially important in densely populated and riverine communities.
Balogun highlighted concerns about zero-dose and under-immunised children. These cases are more common in hard-to-reach areas.
She explained that the partnership is helping to identify missed children. It also supports expansion of vaccination coverage and system strengthening.
The initiative also focuses on improving the capacity of frontline health workers. This ensures better delivery of immunisation services.
She expressed appreciation to the Republic of Korea for its continued support. She described the partnership as impactful and forward-looking.
The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Babatunde Hunpe, described immunisation as a key public health investment.
He said vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for disease prevention. They help protect both individuals and communities.
Hunpe noted that preventable diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and meningitis remain public health concerns. He stressed the importance of sustained vaccination efforts.
He also highlighted the geographical challenges in Badagry. Riverine and border communities often face limited access to healthcare services.
According to him, the partnership will help close immunisation gaps. It will also improve equity in healthcare delivery.
He urged parents and community leaders to ensure full vaccination of eligible children. Community participation, he said, is essential for success.
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Oladapo Asiyanbi, praised the district’s performance in the Measles Rubella campaign.
He said strong leadership and community engagement contributed to the success. Vaccines were delivered across schools, markets, and health facilities.
He noted that the district achieved high vaccination coverage. This contributed significantly to the state’s overall 95 percent coverage rate.
Asiyanbi said the success reflects commitment to universal health coverage. It also supports efforts to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases.
He appreciated partners including UNICEF, WHO, and the Republic of Korea. He also acknowledged inter-state collaboration and local leadership.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, and health workers were also commended. Their support was key to the programme’s success.
The immunisation drive is expected to further strengthen public health systems. It will also ensure no child is left behind in vaccine access.
Stakeholders believe the initiative will improve long-term health outcomes. It reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to child survival and disease prevention.
