Lagos Kicks Off First Round of 2025 National Immunization Plus Days

Lagos Kicks Off First Round of 2025 National Immunization Plus Days

The Lagos State Government, through the Primary Health Care Board, has flagged off the first round of the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), a statewide campaign aimed at protecting children under five years from poliomyelitis and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

The four-day exercise, which runs from May 3 to May 6, is being implemented simultaneously across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State.

Speaking at the symbolic launch of the campaign held at Ogba Primary Health Centre, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, personally administered oral polio vaccines to several children, including two newborns—officially marking the commencement of the statewide effort.

“This campaign is a vital step in our mission to ensure every child in Lagos is protected from preventable diseases, particularly polio,” Dr. Mustafa said. “These next few days are crucial as we work to reach every eligible child, regardless of their location. No child will be left behind.”

He urged parents and caregivers to take full advantage of the free immunization services available at all primary healthcare centres, temporary outreach posts, and through door-to-door visits by trained health personnel.

Highlighting the importance of community support, he added, “The safety and future of our children depend on these life-saving vaccines. I urge all parents and guardians to cooperate with health workers and ensure their children receive all scheduled immunizations.”

In the build-up to the campaign, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, led a high-profile advocacy walk tagged “A Walk for the Future”, and administered vaccines to children during a symbolic flag-off ceremony. She called for decisive action to end zero-dose cases and emphasized the shared responsibility in preventing disease outbreaks through routine and supplementary immunization.

The 2025 NIPDs is part of a nationwide effort coordinated by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), with technical and logistical support from global health partners including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

The campaign aims not only to sustain the progress made in polio eradication but also to improve routine immunization coverage across Nigeria.