Over 21 million residents vaccinated against measles, yellow fever in Lagos—official

Over 21 million residents vaccinated against measles, yellow fever in Lagos —official

By Fashina Shakiru

Over 21 million residents have been successfully vaccinated as part of the recently concluded measles and yellow fever mass vaccination campaign, the Permanent Secretary, District 4, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Dr. Abimbola Bowale, disclosed this on Tuesday.

Speaking at a media parley at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, as part of the activities marking 2024, the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board attributed the campaign’s success to the dedication of healthcare workers, the support of key partners, and the active involvement of Lagos residents.

According to the figures released to the press, “3,595,461 children were vaccinated against measles, achieving an 85% coverage rate. A total of 20,366,405 residents received the yellow fever vaccine, representing a 95% coverage rate. Additionally, 163,553 eligible individuals were vaccinated against HPV. In his statement, the campaign achieved significant milestones, with successes bolstered by extensive social mobilisation efforts that reached over 21 million people. The initiative also strengthened the state’s health system by enhancing cold chain capacity and training the healthcare workforce.”

Bowale revealed: “The campaign targeted measles, yellow fever, and human papillomavirus (HPV), prioritising high-risk populations while employing innovative strategies to maximise its impact. By focusing on both urban and remote communities, the initiative sought to achieve herd immunity, curb transmission, and reinforce the routine immunisation system.

“The supervising Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, described the Integrated Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIA) campaign as a groundbreaking public health intervention aimed at closing immunisation gaps and combating vaccine-preventable diseases across Lagos State.

Bowale commends the 2024 Integrated SIA Campaign for its success in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases. He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support and financial backing. Bowale also acknowledged First Lady Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu’s pivotal role in improving Lagosian health, particularly for children. Special recognition was given to Professor Akin Abayomi for his leadership in the campaign’s execution.

He noted: Lagos State’s commitment to public health is reaffirmed, with the 2024 vaccination campaign marking a milestone in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, setting a benchmark for future interventions.