In commemoration of World Immunisation Week 2025, the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB), in collaboration with Save the Children International, has launched a symbolic immunisation outreach aimed at promoting equitable access to life-saving vaccines across Lagos State.
EpeInsights reports that the Permanent Secretary of LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, underscored the critical role of vaccines in safeguarding public health.
“Immunisation remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions worldwide. Yet, Lagos continues to encounter challenges in reaching every child,” he said.
“Despite Nigeria’s notable achievements against vaccine-preventable diseases, Lagos – one of the most densely populated and rapidly urbanising states – still faces significant gaps in immunisation coverage.”
Mustafa said this recently at the Ita-Elewa Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Ikorodu.
Quoting statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Mustafa noted that vaccines save an estimated two to three million lives each year by preventing diseases that could otherwise lead to severe complications or death.
He stressed that the theme for this year’s campaign, “Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible,” is a powerful call for renewed commitment by all stakeholders to strengthen immunisation efforts across the state.
World Immunisation Week 2025 highlights the Lagos State Government’s firm commitment to eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and reaching zero-dose and under-immunised children.
Through strategic partnerships and targeted interventions, the state aims to bridge existing gaps and ensure that no child is left behind.
The outreach event at Ita-Elewa PHC, a key site under the BOOST project an initiative designed to improve immunisation coverage in underserved communities brought together healthcare workers, community leaders and key stakeholders.
The gathering reinforced the collective responsibility of ensuring that every child receives full and timely vaccination.
Dr. Mustafa also raised concerns about the influx of unregistered migrants and the growth of informal settlements, which have contributed to the rise of zero-dose populations and increased the risk of disease outbreaks.
He warned that the continued circulation of vaccine-derived poliovirus, especially in areas plagued by poor sanitation and low immunisation rates, remains a pressing threat.
“Every missed dose weakens community immunity, incomplete immunisation leaves children vulnerable to deadly diseases like measles, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio, and threatens to erode the progress we have made in disease control.”
Dr. Mustafa reiterated that routine immunisation is not just a child’s first line of defence against life-threatening illnesses, but also a vital pillar of public health resilience.
