The wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, will flag off the state’s Measles-Rubella (MR) and Routine Immunisation (RI) Campaign on January 27.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), Dr Ibrahim Mustafa, made the disclosure in a statement on Saturday.
Ibrahim noted that the integrated campaign, which aligns with national and global immunisation goals, is designed to protect children and adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable childhood illness, while rubella infection during pregnancy can result in congenital rubella syndrome, leading to serious outcomes such as congenital heart defects, cataracts, hearing impairment, and developmental delays in infants,”he said.
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He affirmed that routine immunisation is a proven intervention for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, tuberculosis, whooping cough, diphtheria, and cervical cancer, among others.
“Lagos State is determined to ensure that every eligible child and adolescent is reached, irrespective of location or socioeconomic status.
“The vaccines provided are safe, effective, and completely free.”
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that sustained immunisation efforts contribute significantly to reducing child morbidity and mortality, improving school attendance, and promoting long-term economic and social development.
“Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective public health investments.
“We urge parents, guardians, community leaders, religious leaders, and school authorities to support this campaign by ensuring that eligible children and adolescents receive their vaccines,” he said.
He disclosed that the campaign would be implemented with support from development partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among others.
“These collaborations strengthen vaccine delivery, cold chain management, health worker training, and community engagement across the state,”he said.
NAN