FG, Lagos, UNICEF Launch Drive to Close Immunisation Gaps

FG, Lagos, UNICEF Launch Drive to Close Immunisation Gaps
Temitope Balogun described the initiative as a major step toward improving child health outcomes
Hunpe pointed to challenges in riverine and border communities

The Federal Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and UNICEF, has launched a renewed routine immunisation programme aimed at closing vaccine gaps and reaching underserved communities across Lagos.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the initiative was officially flagged off on April 15, 2026, at the Badagry City Hall, bringing together government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, health workers, and residents.

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The programme builds on gains recorded during the Measles-Rubella campaign and is designed to expand access to life-saving vaccines, particularly for children in hard-to-reach and riverine communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Temitope Balogun, described the initiative as a major step toward improving child health outcomes.

She noted that Lagos’ rapidly growing population presents both opportunities and challenges in delivering healthcare services, adding that zero-dose and under-immunised children remain a key concern.

According to her, collaboration with UNICEF and the Republic of Korea will help identify missed children, improve vaccine access, strengthen routine immunisation systems, and build the capacity of frontline health workers.

Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Babatunde Hunpe, highlighted the importance of immunisation, describing it as one of the most effective and affordable public health interventions.

He said vaccines not only protect children but also strengthen herd immunity, helping to prevent diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria, and meningitis.

FG, Lagos, UNICEF Launch Drive to Close Immunisation Gaps

Hunpe also pointed to challenges in riverine and border communities, noting that limited access to healthcare services makes targeted interventions necessary.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Oladapo Asiyanbi, said the district recorded strong performance during the recent Measles-Rubella campaign due to effective planning and community engagement.

He disclosed that the campaign, which targeted children aged nine months to 14 years, achieved about 95 per cent coverage through outreach in markets, schools, religious centres, and health facilities.

Asiyanbi commended development partners, including UNICEF, the Republic of Korea, and the World Health Organisation, for their continued support, alongside local stakeholders and healthcare workers.

The renewed immunisation effort is expected to further reduce the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases and ensure that more children across Lagos have access to essential healthcare services.