Lagos flags off immunisation campaign in Ikorodu, targets zero-dose children

The Lagos State Government has flagged off the Sub-National Immunisation Days (SNIDs) campaign in Ikorodu Division, as part of intensified efforts to eradicate polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.

The campaign, implemented through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), commenced with a stakeholders’ engagement at Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

Representing the Executive Chairman, Omooba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, the LCDA Vice Chairman, Barrister Ade Ayeni, urged parents and guardians to present eligible children for vaccination. He also stressed the need to obtain parental consent before administering vaccines.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of LSPHCB, Dr Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, the Director of Health Education and Health Promotion Services, Mrs Grace Adesola Honfor, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in its child health protection efforts.

She noted that the Board had deployed trained health workers, mobilisers and supervisors across all wards in Ikorodu Division to conduct door-to-door and outreach immunisation activities in markets, schools and places of worship. The vaccines will be provided free of charge to eligible children.

The Permanent Secretary of Health District II, Dr Adenike Oluwo, represented by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr Said, also reaffirmed the District’s support for effective campaign implementation, monitoring and community outreach.

The stakeholders’ engagement brought together development partners, traditional rulers, community leaders, education sector representatives and members of the media to discuss strategies for achieving effective coverage.

The exercise continued with a ceremonial flag-off at the palace of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, bringing together government officials and traditional leaders in support of the campaign.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Lagos State Immunisation Programme Coordinator, Dr Mathew Adetola Akinpelu, said Ikorodu was selected for the targeted exercise following health data identifying significant clusters of zero-dose children in the area.

He disclosed that Lagos State accounts for a substantial number of unimmunised children, with Alimosho and Ikorodu recording the highest burden. He said the campaign would involve identifying and tracing children who had previously missed vaccination, with the aim of ensuring that every eligible child is reached.

Representing the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Maryam Ibrahim highlighted the Abuja Commitment on Polio Eradication, which requires state governors and local government chairmen across the 36 states to support polio immunisation activities.

She explained that the exercise targets children aged zero to 59 months and is backed by counterpart funding from state and local governments to support logistics and field operations.

The immunisation campaign is scheduled to run from Saturday, November 7, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Receiving the delegation, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali (Emugoriade I), commended the state government and primary healthcare authorities for their efforts to improve community health services.

The monarch reaffirmed his support for the Abuja Commitment on Polio Eradication and disclosed that he had directed traditional chiefs, community leaders and residents to cooperate with vaccination teams to ensure the success of the campaign.

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