In a renewed push to protect children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases, the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, (LSPHCB) has commenced a six-day “Big Catch-up Campaign” in five Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and Pathfinder International, has conducted a strategic field visit to Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA) to significantly boost the uptake of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine and strengthen cervical cancer prevention efforts across the state.
During a stakeholders’ sensitization meeting held in Ikeja, Grace Honfor, Director of Health Education and Health Promotion at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), emphasized that the latest vaccination initiative is informed by data.
“Our surveillance data indicates that these five LGAs have a high number of children who are either completely unvaccinated or have not completed their immunization schedules,” she explained. “This campaign is a catch-up effort—to bring those children back into the system.”
Honfor also addressed the ongoing intensification of the HPV vaccine rollout, encouraging caregivers to take proactive steps.
“The vaccine is readily available at all our Primary Health Centres. Parents don’t have to wait for outreach teams—they can walk into any PHC at their convenience.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Dr. Funmi Ige, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Lagos State Branch, reinforced the critical role of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer—one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Nigerian women.
“HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer,” Dr. Ige stated. “The vaccine works best when given to girls between ages 9 and 14, ideally before they become sexually active.”
She added that public awareness is key: “This engagement aims to inform the public that the HPV vaccine is now part of the routine immunization schedule. It’s safe, effective, and available at no cost in all PHCs.”
Despite progress, Dr. Ige acknowledged that under-immunization persists in some communities, particularly with multi-dose vaccines.
“Some children may start their vaccine series but miss subsequent doses. This campaign is a chance to ensure every child completes their full immunization schedule.”
She further emphasized the importance of full vaccination. “The government is making significant efforts. We’re urging parents to ensure their children receive all required doses, on time. That’s the key to building community immunity.”
The meeting also announced the upcoming statewide Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) campaign, scheduled to commence on May 3, 2025. This Outbreak Response (OBR) effort will target all LGAs as part of the ongoing push to eradicate polio.
Overall, the meeting highlighted a unified commitment to bridging immunization gaps and ensuring that no child in Lagos is left behind.
Community leaders, religious figures, parents, and caregivers were called upon to support the initiative by sharing accurate information and encouraging full participation in vaccination efforts.
