LASG Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Combat Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, the Lagos State Government has issued an urgent call for collective action to confront the alarming rise of vaccine-preventable diseases.

This call was made at a 2-day media training with the theme: Achieving the health SDGs for over two million children at risk of death in Nigeria: A media dialogue to enhance routine immunization and to reduce zero doze children” organized by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with UNICEF held at the Patron Hotel, Ajah.

Speaking at the Forum, Dr. Adetola Akinpelu, Immunization Programme Coordinator for the Lagos State Public Health Board, who represented the Supervising Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abimbola Bowale, highlighted the critical need for community engagement and media involvement to counter misinformation and bolster immunization efforts.

Speaking further, the Supervising Permanent Secretary emphasized the vital importance of safeguarding public health. He pointed out that misinformation severely undermines vaccination rates, necessitating a unified response from all stakeholders to combat this challenge effectively.

Dr. Adeniji Adebayo, Assistant Immunization Program Coordinator, explained that the immunization campaign would be focusing on tackling yellow fever, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and other Routine Immunization (RI) antigens.

He emphasized the importance of fully immunizing every child, noting that the government had selected experts and support teams who were ready with the deployment of mobile immunization teams to visit outreach sites and administer vaccines.
ensure the success of the exercise.

Aderonke Akinwole, a Social and Behaviour Change Specialist at UNICEF, reinforced this message, affirming the organization’s dedication to protecting children’s rights, including their fundamental right to health.

She advocated for enhanced information dissemination strategies to mitigate vaccine hesitancy and outlined UNICEF’s commitment to reducing barriers to vaccine acceptance, which includes optimizing vaccine procurement, improving storage solutions, and promoting increased healthcare financing.

This call to action aims to mobilize resources and strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders, ensuring improved vaccination rates and enhanced community health. Together, the LASG and its partners aspire to provide every resident in Lagos with access to essential vaccines, fostering a healthier and more resilient community.