The United Nations Children’s Fund has identified low immunisation coverage, poor sanitation, and malnutrition as key factors responsible for the resurgence of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases in Lagos.
This was revealed during the 2025 World Immunisation Week Advocacy Walk for Polio, held on Tuesday in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
The event brought together high-level policymakers, community leaders, influencers, youth advocates, development partners, and hundreds of citizens who marched from the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State in Alausa to the Ministry of Education, Ikeja.
Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms Celine Lafoucriere, emphasised the urgency of addressing the gaps in routine immunisation.
“Today, the oral polio vaccine has helped prevent 24 million cases of paralysis. But friends, we are not done yet. Right here in Lagos, we are detecting a resurgence of polio. Low immunisation coverage, poor sanitation, and malnutrition are keeping the door open for polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Routine immunisation is our best bet,” she said.
She stressed the need for increased awareness and education about the importance of immunisation, adding, “Despite the fact that vaccines are powerful, proven life saviours, some parts of the population remain misinformed, believing in harmful rumours. Despite the increasing availability of vaccines, some communities only access them during campaigns. This is not sustainable! Routine immunisation must become the norm for every child born in Lagos.”
Lafoucriere reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state in reaching vulnerable children.
“UNICEF continues to stand with Lagos State and the Nigerian people to deliver vaccines to the hardest-to-reach children through vaccination campaigns, support health workers with training and resources, and build trust in every community so that no child is left behind,” she added.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described immunisation as a fundamental right and not a privilege.
She called on all Lagos residents to actively participate in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.
“The theme for this year’s World Immunisation Week, ‘Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunisation’, challenges us to ensure that no child suffers or dies from a disease we have the tools and knowledge to prevent,” she said.
Dr Sanwo-Olu noted that from Saturday, 3rd May to Tuesday, 6th May 2025, the state would participate in the National Immunisation Plus Days, during which all children aged 0 to 59 months would receive two drops of oral polio vaccine free of charge.
“Vaccination teams will be stationed at public health facilities and will also move from house to house, covering schools, religious centres, markets, and other public spaces. We ask all parents and guardians to cooperate fully. Your participation is crucial,” she urged.
She also warned against the dangers of misinformation, stating, “Vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving. We must combat vaccine hesitancy by promoting accurate information and building trust within our communities.”
The Deputy Governor’s wife, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, encouraged participants to become immunisation ambassadors.
“We know the awareness is there, but what happens after that? How do we convey this message to the rural areas? It is the responsibility of you and I to ensure every child is vaccinated,” she said.
Also, Permanent Secretary, Family Health Board, Dr Ibrahim Mustapha, emphasised the significance of the advocacy walk, describing it as a purposeful act.
“We are not only walking in solidarity but with purpose. Each zero-dose child represents not just a gap but a risk to all of us. Lagos joins the nation in ensuring every eligible child is vaccinated,” he stated.
The World Health Organisation State Coordinator, Dr Chinenye Okafor, warned that Nigeria risks exporting preventable diseases to other countries if hard-to-reach children remained unvaccinated.
“Nigeria appears to be one of the countries exporting various illnesses. Vulnerable children must be reached, and communities must stand against misinformation,” she said.
State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Segun Emiju, stressed that immunisation was a fundamental human right.
“Despite high-volume coverage, we still experience outbreaks and deaths. Our vaccination efforts are not enough. As we commemorate World Immunisation Week, we must do all within our power to strengthen our systems,” he said.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Bolaji Ogunlende, pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure immunisation coverage across the state.
“We must walk together with every stakeholder. In a state as populous as Lagos, we cannot afford to conduct activities without broad involvement,” he said.
The event concluded with a call for collective action to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunisation across all communities in Lagos.
