The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, will on Jan. 27 flag off the state’s Measles-Rubella (MR) and Routine Immunization (RI) campaign.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
Mustafa said the integrated campaign, which aligns with national and global immunization goals, is aimed at protecting children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable childhood illness, while rubella infection during pregnancy can result in congenital rubella syndrome, leading to serious outcomes such as congenital heart defects, cataracts, hearing impairment and developmental delays in infants,” he said.
He noted that routine immunization remains a proven intervention for preventing diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, whooping cough, diphtheria and cervical cancer, among others.
“Lagos State is determined to ensure that every eligible child and adolescent is reached, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
“The vaccines provided are safe, effective and completely free,” Mustafa said.
The permanent secretary emphasized that sustained immunization efforts significantly reduce child morbidity and mortality, improve school attendance and promote long-term economic and social development.
“Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health investments.
“We urge parents, guardians, community leaders, religious leaders and school authorities to support this campaign by ensuring that eligible children and adolescents receive their vaccines,” he added.
Mustafa disclosed that the campaign would be implemented with the support of development partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
According to him, vaccination services will be provided at primary healthcare facilities, schools, religious institutions and temporary vaccination posts to ensure coverage of hard-to-reach and underserved populations.
He assured residents that all vaccinations would be administered by trained health personnel in line with national and international safety standards.
Mustafa urged residents to visit the nearest primary healthcare facility or designated vaccination post within their communities during the campaign period.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a healthier, safer and more resilient population through effective immunization.
It was reported that the week-long campaign will run until Feb. 5 across all local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs) of the state.
