Korede Abdullah in Lagos
In a significant demonstration of dedication to child health, over 150 nursing mothers on Monday convened at the Ita-Elewa Primary Healthcare Centre in Ikorodu for the launch of World Immunisation Week 2025.
The event, themed “Immunisation for all is humanly possible,” was organized by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with Save the Children International and other partners.
The initiative aims to enhance vaccination rates in Ikorodu, an area grappling with a high prevalence of unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children.
During the event, health officials shed light on the unique obstacles that hinder optimal child immunisation rates in Ikorodu, identifying factors such as hard-to-reach communities, caregiver competing priorities, nomadic populations, and socio-cultural issues.
Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwumi Mustapha, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, noting that a significant percentage of children in the area have never received vaccinations.
He urged mothers to prioritize immunisation as a means of safeguarding their children’s futures against preventable diseases.
The flag-off also featured insights from Save the Children representatives, including Dr. Itunu Dave-Agboola, who spoke about the long-term goal of eliminating zero-dose children in the state.
The Deputy Country Director, Jane Magi Mutua, highlighted the importance of understanding the reasons behind low immunisation rates, such as vaccine hesitancy and competing priorities for caregivers.
Through research and tailored interventions, the organization aims to develop strategies that address these challenges, ensuring that every child in Ikorodu receives the full spectrum of necessary vaccinations to protect them from preventable diseases.
