LAGOS FIRST LADY LAUNCHES COMPREHENSIVE IMMUNIZATION CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT MEASLES, YELLOW FEVER, HPV
… Campaign Targets Children, Adults to Strengthen Disease Prevention Efforts
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has officially launched the Integrated Supplemental Immunization Campaign, targeting Measles, Yellow Fever, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations across the state.
The flag-off ceremony, which took place at the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Secretariat on Friday, October 18, 2024, marked a significant advancement in the state’s commitment to disease prevention and public health.
Represented by Mrs. Victoria Olowu, a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the initiative is a critical measure aimed at protecting children, adolescents, and families from life-threatening yet preventable illnesses.
She praised the Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat for hosting the event and reiterated the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance community health and well-being.
“As a mother, I understand the urgency of shielding our children from preventable deadly diseases through cost-effective solutions,” Dr. Sanwo-Olu remarked.
She highlighted that vaccination is one of the most effective strategies for curbing the spread of infectious diseases and ensures children have a healthy start in life.
The First Lady called for collective action, urging parents and guardians to take advantage of the campaign by visiting nearby health facilities to secure the life-saving vaccines for their children.
Additionally, she acknowledged the dedication of health workers, volunteers, and partners, describing them as “heroes on the front lines.”
Dr. Bowale Abimbola, the Supervising Permanent Secretary for the Primary Healthcare Board and Permanent Secretary of Health District IV, provided an overview of the vaccination drive, which targets three major health risks: measles, yellow fever, and HPV/cervical cancer.
He detailed the campaign’s age-specific eligibility: individuals aged 9 months to 44 years for the yellow fever vaccine, children aged 9 to 59 months for measles, and girls aged 9 to 14 years for the HPV vaccine.
Dr. Bowale noted that the vaccination initiative aligns with the State Government’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda, which prioritises child health, disease prevention, and economic relief for communities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reaching every eligible child, ensuring no one is left behind in the quest for a healthier future.
Prince Hamzat, Chairman, Ifako-Ijaiye LCDA explained that the campaign aims for broad coverage by reaching eligible individuals in diverse locations such as communities, schools, religious centres, and healthcare facilities at all levels.
He underscored the critical role of clear and accurate communication to combat misinformation about vaccine safety and urged the public to seek information from reputable sources, including health professionals, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF.
The event drew an impressive audience, including the body of Permanent Secretaries across all health districts, religious leaders, traditional rulers, local legislators, market leaders, schoolchildren, health sector partners and top government officials, among others.