Lagos begins first round of 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days
Lagos begins first round of 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, has commenced the first round of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign.
The four-day exercise, running from May 3 to May 6 aims to immunize children under five years of age against poliomyelitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The campaign commenced simultaneously across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
At the Ogba Primary Health Centre, as well as other fixed and mobile vaccination sites in the vicinity, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, personally administered oral polio vaccines to several children, including two newborns – symbolizing the commencement of the campaign across Lagos State.
Speaking at the kickoff, Dr. Mustafa reiterated the State Government’s unwavering commitment to protecting children’s health and preventing disease outbreaks. “This campaign is a vital step in our mission to ensure every child in Lagos is protected from preventable diseases, particularly polio. These next five days serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to reach every eligible child, regardless of location,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the free vaccination services available at primary health centres, designated outreach sites, and through house-to-house visits by trained health workers.
“We are leaving no child behind. The safety and future of our children depend on these life-saving vaccines. I urge all parents and guardians to cooperate with health workers and ensure their children receive all scheduled immunizations,” he added.
Earlier in the week, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, demonstrated her support for the campaign by leading a pre-event advocacy walk, themed: “A Walk for the Future” and administered vaccines to children during a symbolic flag-off ceremony.
In her remarks, the First Lady emphasised the need for decisive action to end zero-dose cases and called on parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive all necessary immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases.
The 2025 NIPDs campaign in Lagos is part of a nationwide initiative coordinated by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), with support from international development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
