Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) held in Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Sanwo-Olu underscored the critical role of vaccination as a cornerstone in the ongoing battle to eradicate the crippling disease of polio.
Themed “Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunization,” this year's immunization drive, scheduled to run from May 3rd to May 6th, 2025, represents a collaborative effort between the Lagos State government, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and various key development partners. The ambitious goal is to not only strengthen routine immunization practices but also to deliver a final blow to polio within Lagos State.
During the campaign period, an extensive outreach program will be implemented, offering two free doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to all children aged 0 to 59 months. This strategic approach aims to reach every eligible child, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic background.
In her passionate address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu articulated the profound significance of investing in the health of children, whom she described as "the future leaders of our state and nation." She emphatically stated that the overarching mission is to ensure that no child in Lagos State suffers or succumbs to preventable diseases, with a particular focus on eliminating the threat of polio.
Furthermore, the First Lady highlighted that the immunization campaign will actively target children who have previously missed their routine vaccinations. This aligns seamlessly with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which places a high priority on health and human capital development. "Immunization is not a privilege; it is a right that every child must enjoy," she asserted, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential healthcare interventions.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu called upon all residents of Lagos State – including parents, caregivers, religious and community leaders, and civil society organizations – to actively participate in and support the immunization campaign. To maximize reach, dedicated vaccination teams will be strategically positioned at health facilities across the state and will also conduct door-to-door outreach, extending their coverage to schools, bustling markets, and other public spaces.
Acknowledging the growing challenge posed by the proliferation of myths and misinformation surrounding vaccines, the First Lady firmly emphasized the overwhelming scientific consensus that vaccines are safe, effective, and indeed, lifesaving.
"We must combat vaccine hesitancy by promoting accurate information and dispelling unfounded fears," she stressed. Dr. Sanwo-Olu further noted that her office, in close collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, will continue to spearhead robust advocacy and community mobilization efforts to ensure widespread participation and acceptance of the polio vaccine.
Adding a national perspective, the Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for Southwest Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, revealed the concerning statistic that over two million Nigerian children remain unvaccinated against deadly diseases. She specifically highlighted the persistent challenges posed by the spread of unsubstantiated rumors and misinformation regarding vaccines, which contribute significantly to vaccine hesitancy.
While acknowledging Nigeria's remarkable achievement of a 99.9% reduction in polio cases, Lafoucriere cautioned that the remaining 0.1% still represents a significant threat and necessitates sustained and intensified efforts to achieve complete eradication.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha, the Permanent Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board (PHCB), acknowledged Lagos State's ongoing challenge with the "zero dose syndrome" – a situation where children have not received even the first dose of essential vaccines. He pledged the unwavering commitment of the PHCB to actively seek out and immunize all children who have missed their doses during the upcoming campaign, ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against polio.
The launch of the 2025 NIPDs in Lagos State signals a renewed and determined push towards achieving a polio-free Nigeria. With the strong commitment of the First Lady, the collaborative efforts of government agencies and development partners, and the active participation of communities, the vision of a healthy, polio-free future for all Nigerian children appears increasingly within reach.