In a major move to safeguard the health of children across the state, the Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Republic of Korea, UNICEF, and the Lagos State Government, has officially flagged off a strengthening Routine Immunisation Programme.
The initiative is designed to sustain the gains of previous health campaigns and expand access to life-saving vaccines, particularly for children in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
The flag-off ceremony, held at Badagry City Hall on April 15, 2026, brought together diplomatic representatives, traditional rulers, and senior government officials. This strategic partnership aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda and the Greater Lagos Rising Agenda, both of which prioritise proactive healthcare delivery and disease prevention for all residents.
Bridging the Gap for Zero Dose Children
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Temitope Balogun, described the intervention as a critical milestone for a demographically complex state. She noted that while Lagos is a major economic hub, its rapid population growth presents significant challenges in ensuring equitable health access.
“The persistence of zero dose and under-immunised children, especially in riverine and hard-to-reach communities, remains a critical public health concern,” Dr. Balogun stated. She emphasised that the partnership with the Republic of Korea and UNICEF is empowering the state to identify missing children, strengthen health systems, and build the capacity of frontline workers to deliver quality services.
Immunisation as a Tool for Sustainable Development
The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, hailed the programme as a vital investment in child survival. He highlighted that vaccines for measles, polio, diphtheria, and meningitis are among the most cost-effective ways to protect the community and build herd immunity.
Hon. Hunpe specifically pointed to the geographical difficulties of Badagry, which include coastal and border communities that have historically struggled with healthcare access. “The partnership represents a strategic step toward closing immunisation gaps and ensuring that no child is left behind,” he remarked, while calling on parents and community leaders to ensure all eligible children are fully vaccinated.
Commitment to Universal Health Coverage
The success of the programme builds on the momentum of the recent Measles Rubella campaign, where Lagos State achieved a 95 per cent coverage rate. The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr. Oladapo Asiyanbi, noted that District V’s outstanding performance was a result of intensified community mobilisation and the dedication of healthcare workers who provided vaccines free of charge in schools, markets, and religious centres.
“Achieving this level of coverage is a critical step toward eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and safeguarding the health of future generations,” Dr. Asiyanbi said. He expressed deep gratitude to the Consular General of the Republic of Korea, UNICEF, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their unwavering support.
The event concluded with a call for continued inter-state and community collaboration, acknowledging the roles of various stakeholders, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, and local traditional rulers, in ensuring the long-term resilience of the state’s healthcare system.
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