Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Lagos State Government has announced that over 24 million residents were vaccinated against yellow fever, measles, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in 2024.
According to Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Permanent Secretary, Health District 4, and Supervising PS to the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board on Tuesday, the government launched the 2024 Measles and Yellow Fever Integrated vaccination campaign on October 19, 2024.
“The Integrated Supplemental Immunisation Activities campaign was a landmark public health intervention that aimed at addressing gaps in immunisation coverage and curbing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in Lagos State,” Dr. Bowale explained.
Dr. Bowale noted that the campaign targeted measles, yellow fever, and HPV, prioritizing high-risk populations and leveraging innovative strategies to maximize impact.
The results were impressive, with 3,595,461 children vaccinated against measles, representing 85% coverage, and 20,366,405 Lagosians receiving the yellow fever vaccine, achieving 95% coverage. Additionally, 163,553 eligible persons were vaccinated against HPV.
“These efforts were bolstered by large-scale social mobilisation activities, which reached over 21 million people and strengthened health systems through enhanced cold chain capacity and workforce training,” Dr. Bowale added.
Dr. Bowale commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, for their commitment to Lagosians’ healthcare.
He also praised the leadership of the state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Special Adviser on Health to the Governor, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi.
The vaccination campaign is a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to prevent and control vaccine-preventable diseases.
