Introduction to the Briefing
The Lagos State Government recently held a comprehensive briefing to address its ongoing efforts to combat the polio outbreak and celebrate the achievements of its integrated immunization campaigns. The event, hosted by Dr. Abimbola Bowale, the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, and chaired by Prof. Akin Abayomi, Hon. Commissioner for Health, underscored the state’s commitment to public health excellence. Key stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and members of the media gathered at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Ikeja to gain insights into these critical initiatives.
Celebrating Immunization Successes
The briefing highlighted the success of the 2024 Measles and Yellow Fever Integrated Vaccination Campaign, which ran from October 19th. This campaign marked a pivotal moment in Lagos State’s healthcare journey, achieving remarkable immunization coverage across urban and rural communities. Approximately 3.6 million children were vaccinated against measles, 20.4 million individuals received the yellow fever vaccine, and 163,553 eligible persons were immunized against HPV. These achievements were made possible through strategic planning, robust monitoring, and extensive community engagement.
Innovative Campaign Strategies
The campaign’s success was attributed to its innovative approach, which included GIS-based micro-planning, phased implementation, and rigorous mop-up activities to ensure no one was left behind. Advocacy visits to traditional and religious leaders, house-to-house campaigns, and the use of social media influencers played crucial roles in fostering trust and increasing vaccine acceptance. These efforts demonstrated the importance of combining data-driven decision-making with grassroots mobilization for impactful public health outcomes.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite its success, the campaign faced logistical challenges, including delays in funding and vaccine supply, as well as limited cold chain infrastructure. Persistent misinformation and vaccine hesitancy posed additional hurdles. However, these obstacles highlighted the necessity of adaptive strategies and real-time problem-solving. The Lagos State Government emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and community-led approaches to overcoming such challenges in future campaigns.
Polio Outbreak Response
In light of recent polio outbreaks in other regions of Africa, Lagos State announced an urgent Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign scheduled for January 18th to 22nd, 2025. This initiative aims to maintain Nigeria’s polio-free status and prevent a resurgence of the virus. Vaccination teams will visit residential areas, schools, places of worship, and other public spaces to ensure all eligible children are immunized, safeguarding the state against potential reinfection.
Acknowledging Collaborative Efforts
The success of these campaigns would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. The Lagos State Government extended gratitude to healthcare workers, local government authorities, international organizations, and community-based partners such as WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI. Their technical and financial support, combined with the active participation of Lagosians, played a vital role in achieving these milestones.
Looking Ahead
The briefing concluded with a reaffirmation of Lagos State’s commitment to public health. The government emphasized the need to sustain high immunization coverage, strengthen routine healthcare systems, and prioritize community engagement. As Prof. Abayomi stated, the achievements of the past year serve as a reminder of the transformative power of partnership and innovation. The ongoing immunization efforts underscore the state’s dedication to building a healthier, more resilient future for all Lagosians.