By Elizabeth Chimobi
The Lagos State government has announced a remarkable milestone in its immunisation campaign for 2024, with over 20.3 million residents receiving the yellow fever vaccine, achieving an impressive 95 percent coverage.
Additionally, 3.6 million children were vaccinated against measles, representing 85 percent coverage, while 163,553 eligible individuals received the HPV vaccine.
The Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Abimbola Bowale disclosed these figures on Tuesday while highlighting the state’s immunisation efforts. Bowale attributed the campaign’s success to extensive social mobilisation, which reached over 21 million people, alongside strengthened health systems supported by improved cold chain capacity and workforce training.
However, the campaign faced significant challenges. Delays in funding logistics and vaccine supplies disrupted timelines, while limited cold chain storage and logistical infrastructure created operational bottlenecks.
Bowale also noted that misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in some communities hindered the uptake of vaccines.
“These challenges highlighted the need for data-driven planning, real-time monitoring, and adaptive strategies,” Bowale said. “High-level advocacy and stakeholder engagement played a critical role in driving the success of public health initiatives. Community-led mobilisation and data-based decision-making proved effective in improving vaccine acceptance and coverage.”
The 2024 immunisation campaign, known as the Integrated Supplementary Immunisation Activities (SIA), was hailed as a model of innovation and partnership in public health.
Bowale emphasised that its success underscores the importance of sustained political commitment, community engagement, and evidence-based approaches in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases.
“This campaign is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect the health and well-being of all Lagosians,” he added.
The achievements of the 2024 campaign provide a robust framework for future immunisation efforts in Lagos, serving as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing public health goals.