- LASG Begins Urgent Polio Outbreak Response Targeting Children Under Five
- Mustafa explained that the discovery required a swift and comprehensive vaccination campaign
- The Lagos State Government urged all parents, guardians, and residents to ensure every child under five receives the two drops of the polio vaccine
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) and in partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other development partners, will launch a statewide polio outbreak response campaign following the detection of an orphan circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 in Makoko, Lagos Mainland.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the campaign is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as part of coordinated efforts at both national and state levels to stop poliovirus transmission and safeguard children from paralysis.
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Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, said routine environmental surveillance identified the orphan poliovirus strain in samples from the densely populated riverine community of Makoko, indicating possible ongoing transmission.
He explained that the discovery required a swift and comprehensive vaccination campaign to boost immunity and prevent further spread. Lagos State will conduct two intensive rounds of house-to-house vaccination across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The campaign will target all children under five years, regardless of prior vaccination status. Each child will receive two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine, certified safe and effective by NAFDAC and the World Health Organization.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to child health, Mustafa said, “Our goal is to ensure that every eligible child in Lagos receives the polio vaccine and remains protected from paralysis. The detection of this virus is a reminder that polio remains a threat until it is completely eradicated. We urge all parents, caregivers, and community leaders to welcome health workers and cooperate fully with vaccination teams.”
The state has strengthened surveillance systems, vaccine logistics, and risk communication to ensure smooth implementation of the campaign. LSPHCB continues to collaborate closely with development partners, local authorities, and community stakeholders to achieve high coverage and boost public confidence in immunization activities.
Ahead of the rollout, Lagos State engaged key stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, and health worker unions, to encourage community participation and ownership of the campaign.
Mustafa emphasised that the vaccine is safe, free, and rigorously quality controlled. Health workers have been trained in vaccine administration, cold-chain management, and monitoring for adverse events.
The Lagos State Government urged all parents, guardians, and residents to ensure every child under five receives the two drops of the polio vaccine, stressing that full cooperation from households and communities is vital to keep Lagos polio-free and protect future generations.
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