By Adenike Lawal

The United Nations Children’s Fund, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, will initiate a two-week mass immunization campaign for children and young females starting on October 19, 2024.

During a media dialogue titled “A Media Dialogue to Enhance Routine Immunization and Reduce Zero Dose Children,” Dr. Adetona Akinpelu, the Immunization Programme Coordinator for the Lagos State Public Health Board, emphasized that the campaign targets children aged nine to 59 months.

He highlighted that this initiative aligns with UNICEF’s commitment to safeguarding children against serious diseases, including tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, measles, and HPV.

Dr. Akinpelu noted that the campaign aims to address the immunity gaps that have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He shared that 63,981 personnel, including 14,218 healthcare workers, will be involved in the campaign.

“This effort will reach 21 million residents over the two-week period, covering approximately 80% of Lagos State’s population and helping to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases,” he stated.

He also emphasized the crucial role of media in educating the public to ensure the campaign’s effectiveness.

Regarding challenges, Dr. Akinpelu acknowledged the ongoing departure of healthcare professionals, commonly known as the “Japa syndrome.” However, he expressed confidence in the state’s readiness, citing collaborations with public and private sectors, healthcare training institutions, and retired health professionals.

Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Nigeria, spoke virtually about the campaign’s aim to reduce the 2.3 million unimmunized children in Nigeria, particularly those in difficult-to-reach areas.

She noted that these “zero-dose children” face a significant risk of mortality due to their lack of immunization against preventable diseases.

“We still face a critical challenge in Nigeria, with 2.3 million children never receiving any vaccines,” Lafoucriere stated.

She explained that UNICEF has prioritized 100 local government areas across 18 states with the highest number of zero-dose children, aiming to boost the vaccination rate by 50% annually and by 30% by 2025.

Lafoucriere also called on the media to help raise awareness, counter misinformation, and encourage vaccination.

Dr. Adeniyi Adebayo, Assistant Immunization Programme Officer for the Lagos State Public Health Board, discussed the importance of vaccinating every child, explaining that zero-dose children—those never immunized from birth—are particularly vulnerable to diseases, while under-immunized children are those with incomplete vaccinations.

He urged parents to utilize the free vaccines available in Nigeria to ensure their children’s health.

Aderonke Akinwole, a Social and Behaviour Change Specialist at UNICEF, stressed the need for increased commitment from the government and stakeholders to tackle vaccine coverage issues.

She pointed out that many communities in Nigeria hold misconceptions about vaccines, believing that because previous generations survived without them, current generations do not need them.

Akinwole warned that such beliefs are dangerous and called for a culturally sensitive approach to debunk these myths.

“Ignorance is not an excuse. Just because someone survived without vaccines doesn’t guarantee that another child will,” she cautioned.