The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) has achieved a major milestone in its ongoing immunisation campaign, successfully vaccinating about 89 per cent of targeted children across the state.
Building on this progress, the Board has announced plans to commence an intensive mop-up exercise to identify and vaccinate children who were missed during the initial phase due to absence, mobility, misinformation, or other logistical challenges.
Speaking on the development, the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, described the outcome as a testament to effective collaboration among government agencies, health workers, community leaders, development partners, and parents.
“The vaccination of 89 per cent of our targeted children shows that Lagosians understand the importance of immunisation in protecting children’s lives. While this is commendable, it is not the end of the journey. Every child matters, and we are determined to ensure no eligible child is left unprotected,” he said.
Dr. Mustafa explained that the mop-up phase will involve house-to-house visits, community outreach, and intensified engagement at health facilities to close existing gaps.
“Some children were missed because their parents were unavailable, families were out of town, or concerns and misinformation persisted. Our health teams will return to communities to address these gaps and provide accurate information,” he added.
He reiterated that routine immunisation is safe, effective, and free, stressing that all vaccines used in Lagos State meet national and international safety standards and are approved by relevant regulatory authorities.
“Vaccines protect children against preventable but deadly diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. Immunisation is not only a personal choice; it is a collective responsibility to protect our communities,” Dr. Mustafa noted.
The Permanent Secretary assured parents and caregivers that trained health professionals will continue to administer vaccines under strict standards of care, including proper storage, handling, and documentation.
He also called on parents, guardians, religious and traditional leaders, market associations, and community influencers to support the mop-up exercise by encouraging participation and dispelling myths about vaccination.
“Parents and caregivers should take full advantage of this opportunity—bring your children to the nearest primary health care centre or welcome our health workers into your homes. Vaccination is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child: a healthy start to life and a stronger future,” he urged.
The LSPHCB reaffirmed its commitment to achieving optimal immunisation coverage in line with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES Plus Agenda and global best practices, assuring residents that continuous monitoring and community engagement will remain a priority.
