The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District IV, Dr Abimbola Bowale, disclosed that the district set a target of 1,108,811 children for the measles-rubella vaccination campaign. At the close of the exercise, 1,056,908 children aged between 0 and 14 years had been successfully immunised, placing the district at 95 per cent on the state’s vaccination performance table.
The campaign covered four councils — Apapa, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland and Surulere — reflecting what health officials described as strong community participation and coordinated healthcare delivery.
Dr Bowale characterised the outcome as a significant achievement in the district’s efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and to strengthen overall public health indices. He emphasised that measles and rubella remain highly contagious infections that can result in severe illness and, in some cases, death if left unchecked.
According to him, widespread immunisation not only provides long-lasting protection for children but also plays a crucial role in reducing mortality rates and preventing complications such as pneumonia, blindness and encephalitis. He further noted that rubella vaccination is particularly vital in safeguarding pregnant women and preventing congenital birth defects associated with the virus.
Providing a detailed breakdown of the figures, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics for the district, Dr Titilayo Oni, said Apapa recorded 111,854 vaccinated children, Lagos Island 209,740, Lagos Mainland 266,190, and Surulere 469,124. The combined total of 1,056,908 immunised children underscores what officials described as a coordinated and effective outreach strategy.
The measles-rubella campaign, which was flagged off by the state government in January, targets children aged 0 to 14 years across communities within the district. Health authorities say the initiative forms part of broader efforts to prevent outbreaks, boost herd immunity and secure a healthier future for residents.
Officials have indicated that sustained community engagement and routine immunisation will remain central to maintaining high coverage levels and protecting vulnerable populations across the district.