UNICEF and the Lagos State Government are teaming up to launch a two-week mass immunization campaign for children and female teenagers slated to kick off on October 19, 2024.
Dr. Adetona Akinpelu, the Immunization Programme Coordinator for the Lagos State Public Health Board, revealed during a media dialogue themed ‘A Media Dialogue to Enhance Routine Immunization and Reduce Zero Dose Children,’ that the campaign will primarily target children aged between nine to 59 months.
Akinpelu emphasized that the initiative is part of UNICEF’s dedication to safeguarding children against severe illnesses like tuberculosis, polio, measles, and HPV.
He highlighted that the main objective of the campaign is to address the widening immunity gaps caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Furthermore, Akinpelu stated that a total of 63,981 personnel, including 14,218 health workers, will be needed to carry out the campaign.
He said, “This campaign will target 21 million residents starting from October 19, 2024, and will run for two weeks. This will cover about 80 per cent of Lagos State’s population, and reduce vaccine-preventable diseases.”
He emphasized the importance of media involvement in educating the public to ensure the success of the campaign.
Acknowledging the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals, commonly known as the “Japa syndrome,” Akinpelu discussed the state’s readiness in partnership with public and private sectors, healthcare training institutions, and retired health professionals.
UNICEF’s Chief of the Field Office in Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, virtually stated that the campaign aimed to reduce the 2.3 million unimmunized children in Nigeria, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.
She highlighted the risk faced by these “zero-dose children” without immunization and urged for media support in creating awareness and promoting vaccination.
Dr. Adeniyi Adebayo, Assistant Immunization Programme Officer for the Lagos State Public Health Board, emphasized the importance of vaccinating every child to prevent diseases.
Aderonke Akinwole, a Social and Behaviour Change Specialist at UNICEF, emphasized the need for government and stakeholders to address vaccine coverage challenges and dispel misconceptions in Nigerian communities about vaccines.
She stressed the importance of a culturally sensitive approach to combat these myths.
“Ignorance is never an excuse. Just because someone survived without vaccines doesn’t mean another child will,” Akinwole highlighted.
