LASG Commences Second Round of National Immunization Plus Days in Epe
The Lagos State Government has launched the second round of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign, aimed at strengthening child health and sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status. The official flag-off ceremony was held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat and was organized by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) in collaboration with development partners.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Chief Mrs. Oluwatoyin Badejo, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to child health. She described children as the cornerstone of any society’s future and emphasized that the present administration has prioritized initiatives that safeguard their health and development.
“Our administration has made significant strides in maternal and child healthcare through investments in health infrastructure, modern equipment, and the expansion of primary healthcare centres across the state,” she stated.
She also highlighted ongoing programs such as free antenatal care, regular immunization drives, the Ilera Eko health insurance scheme, and nutrition interventions that have collectively improved health outcomes for mothers and children. She commended health workers for their dedication, noting their efforts have contributed to a reduction in maternal mortality and improved child survival rates.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, thanked the First Lady for her consistent support. He explained that the immunization campaign would run for four days, with an additional two days dedicated to mop-up operations to reach any missed children.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, he said multiple strategies have been deployed, including fixed posts at health centres, house-to-house vaccination, and transit teams stationed at key public locations such as markets, schools, motor parks, and places of worship.
Dr. Mustafa noted that the campaign’s objective is to enhance vaccination coverage, bolster herd immunity, and safeguard against any resurgence of the poliovirus, especially in light of recent outbreaks in neighboring countries. He added that health workers would also check children’s health cards and administer any missed routine vaccines during the campaign.
He further revealed that the state is scaling up the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program to protect adolescent girls from cervical cancer through school-based outreach.
“Every parent who ensures their child is immunized is contributing to a global movement to eradicate polio. We are grateful to our health workers, development partners, religious and traditional leaders for their unwavering support,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, assured that no part of the state would be left behind, including riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
The event was attended by other Permanent Secretaries from Health Districts IV, V, and VI—Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, and Dr. Abimbola Mabogunje, respectively. Other dignitaries present included the Vice Chairman of Epe Local Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market association representatives, and other local government officials.
