Implores stakeholders to promote accurate information on vaccines
Lagos State First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called on policymakers and government functionaries at the local, state and national level to continue to sustain the political will and mobilise the necessary resources to fully support immunisation efforts and ensure health workers are equipped.
The governor’s wife, who spoke yesterday, during the walk for polio and flag-off of the national immunisation plus days, urged stakeholders to check misinformation about immunisation.
She said, “We are also mindful of the growing spread of myths and misinformation about vaccines. Let me emphasise that vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving. We must combat vaccine hesitancy by promoting accurate information and building trust within our communities.
“The theme for this year’s World Immunisation Week, “Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunisation,” challenges us to do everything within our power to ensure that no child suffers or dies from a disease we have the tools and knowledge to prevent.
“In line with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the THEMES+ agenda of his administration, which prioritises health and human development, Lagos State remains resolute in its commitment to ‘leave no child behind’. This is not just a slogan; it is our guiding principle.
“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening routine immunisation and eradicating polio.
“As such, I call on parents, caregivers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society groups in the state to join us in this shared mission. Let us work hand in hand to protect every child.
“From Saturday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Lagos State, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and our development partners, will roll out the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs).”
Sanwo-Olu said that during the campaign, all children between the ages of 0 and 59 months would receive two drops of the oral polio vaccine free of charge, saying that this is also an opportunity to reach children who may have missed their routine vaccinations.
Also speaking at the flag off ceremony, Chief Executive Officer, UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, stated that the World Immunisation Week and Walk for Polio remind stakeholders how far they have come and also how far remains to go to ensure that Nigerian children are fully immunised. She noted that through global efforts, the world had seen a 99.9 per cent reduction in polio cases since 1988.
