A renewed push to expand access to vaccines in Lagos has been launched through a partnership involving the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government, the Republic of Korea and UNICEF, with a focus on reaching underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
The initiative, unveiled at Badagry City Hall on 15 April 2026, is designed to strengthen routine immunisation systems and sustain gains recorded during the recent Measles-Rubella campaign.
The programme also involves the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Lagos State Health District V and the Ogun State Government, reflecting a coordinated approach to improving child health outcomes across the region.
Speaking at the event, Dr Temitope Balogun, who represented the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said the collaboration marked an important step in protecting children in a rapidly expanding urban population.
She noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic hub and one of Africa’s largest economies, faces unique pressures due to population growth, making equitable healthcare delivery increasingly complex.
According to her, a significant concern remains the number of zero-dose and under-immunised children, particularly in riverine and difficult-to-access areas.
Balogun explained that support from the Republic of Korea, working through UNICEF, would help the state identify unvaccinated children, widen vaccine coverage, strengthen routine immunisation systems and build the capacity of frontline health workers.
She described the intervention as vital to improving child survival and community health, while also commending the Republic of Korea for its sustained commitment to healthcare development.
Earlier, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Babatunde Hunpe, highlighted immunisation as one of the most effective and affordable public health measures.
He said vaccines not only protect individual children but also help build community immunity, reducing the spread of diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria and meningitis.
Hunpe pointed to the geographical realities of Badagry, including riverine and border communities, which have historically limited access to healthcare services. He added that the partnership would help close existing gaps and improve access for vulnerable populations.
He urged parents, caregivers and community leaders to ensure that eligible children receive all recommended vaccines.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health District V, Dr Oladapo Asiyanbi, said the district’s strong performance during the Measles-Rubella campaign demonstrated effective planning and community engagement.
He explained that the campaign reached children aged nine months to 14 years through outreach in schools, markets, religious centres and health facilities, with vaccines provided at no cost.
Asiyanbi noted that the district achieved the highest vaccination coverage in the state and contributed to an overall coverage rate of 95 per cent.
He said the achievement underscored the district’s commitment to routine immunisation and broader efforts towards Universal Health Coverage, adding that it represented progress in reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.
The permanent secretary also acknowledged the support of development partners, including UNICEF, the Republic of Korea and the World Health Organisation, as well as contributions from state institutions and local stakeholders.
He commended community leaders, traditional rulers, healthcare workers and local government officials for their roles in ensuring the success of immunisation activities across the district.
