Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy and Unicef Host Media Orientation to Garner Media Support for Statewide Immunization Campaign
… In six months, over 73.27percent of children diagnosed with measles lacked / avoided vaccination
… Actively seeks media support to ensure accurate reportage and widespread sensitization of vaccination campaign
… To Combat Vaccine Hesitancy With Factual and Realtime Information
The Lagos State Government has announced a major initiative to vaccinate over 95% of its residents against yellow fever and other diseases within the next two months. This statewide non-polio supplemental immunization campaign will be launched on October 18, 2024, with the actual immunization commencing on October 19, 2024.
This was revealed at a media orientation organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy in collaboration with UNICEF.
The campaign targets residents aged 9 months to 44 years, with an ambitious goal to vaccinate at least 18 million individuals. Incidentally this comes after data from January to April 2024 indicates that Nigeria has recorded about 589 suspected cases of yellow fever from about 288 LGAs across the whole country. It was also recorded that between January to July 2024, there were 8,345 confirmed cases of measles with about 6,114 of them not having received any vaccinationation doses. These scenarios obviously underscore the urgency of this campaign, especially in light of recent outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board (LSPHCB) in his welcome remarks at the media orientation stated that the Lagos Stae Government was aiming fir a minimum coverage of 95%, of residents to effectively close immunity gaps within the state.
According to Dr Bowale, vaccinations will be provided for free and readily available at primary health care centers, schools, churches, mosques, and motor parks. Additionally, dedicated teams will conduct door-to-door outreach to ensure inclusion of hard-to-reach communities.
Mrs. Aderonke Akinola, Social and Behavior Change Specialist with UNICEF, emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting vaccine safety and acceptance. She highlighted the decline in public trust due to misinformation and stressed the need for reliable information sources to counter negative narratives.
Akinola reassured the public about the safety of health workers, who will be easily identifiable during the campaign. She also clarified that the immunization activities would encompass multiple vaccines, including the HPV vaccine, reinforcing that all vaccines offered are safe, effective, an
Bowale addressed concerns about vaccine skepticism, pointing out that misinformation often stems from ignorance. He reassured the public about the safety and necessity of vaccines in preventing serious diseases. To counter skepticism, Dr. Adetola emphasized grassroots engagement, involving community organizations, religious bodies, and local leaders to foster support and participation.
To further support vaccine acceptance, Akinola noted that UNICEF is engaging community leaders and conducting grassroots sensitization initiatives. She reiterated the importance of media collaboration in disseminating accurate information to ensure that messages of vaccine safety reach all community membe
Dr. Akinpelu Adetola, Immunization Program Coordinator of LPHCB in his presentation detailed the logistical challenges of transporting vaccines while maintaining their potency.
Addressing the media, Dr Adetola stated the Lagos State Government is securing specialized carriers and ice packs to ensure proper temperature control during transportation.
Reiterating the government’s preparedness to guarantee a safe vaccination process, the coordinator disclosed that local focal points will be established in each government area to monitor any adverse events. He also stated that partnerships with hospitals will ensure medical personnel are on standby to assist as needed.
The experts collectively stressed the importance of obtaining parental consent for vaccinations in schools and engaging with traditional rulers and community leaders to encourage acceptance of the campaign. They stated that adequate steps were being taken to ensure that parents, teachers and schools are properly informed and the right measures taken so students can be vaccinated.
It was highlighted that this immunization project is not a new campaign but an enlargement of ongoing vaccination programs set up to ensure wider coverage within the shortest possible time.
Communities were therefore encouraged to actively participate in this vital public health initiative. By increasing vaccination coverage, the state government aims to enhance health standards across Lagos State, preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and ensuring a healthier future for all residents.
The orientation ended with a media communications exercise which was planned to help focus and align the media’s reportage towards providing the right information through a dynamic format to the public.
It was agreed that this comprehensive immunization campaign is not just a public health initiative; it is a crucial step toward safeguarding the health of Lagos residents and preventing future outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!