Lagos Mobilizes Against Polio Threat
The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other key partners, is launching an immediate statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign. This decisive action was triggered by the confirmed detection of an orphan circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) in environmental samples from the Makoko area of Lagos Mainland Local Government.
Urgent Vaccination Drive to Protect Children
In a swift move to safeguard the state's youngest residents, the campaign is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The initiative will involve two intensive rounds of house-to-house vaccination, covering every corner of Lagos, including all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas. The mission is clear: to interrupt the transmission of the poliovirus and protect every child from the risk of paralysis.
Dr Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, emphasized the critical nature of this response. He explained that routine surveillance had identified the virus in the densely populated riverine community, signaling a potential for ongoing transmission. "Our goal is to ensure that every eligible child in Lagos receives the polio vaccine and remains protected from paralysis," Dr Mustafa stated. "The detection of this virus is a reminder that polio remains a threat until it is completely eradicated."
How the Campaign Will Work
The campaign is designed for maximum reach and efficiency.
- Target Group: All children under five years of age, irrespective of their previous vaccination history.
- Vaccine: Each child will receive two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2), which has been approved as safe and effective by both the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Cost: The vaccine will be provided completely free of charge to all families.
To ensure a smooth and successful campaign, the state has bolstered its surveillance, vaccine logistics, and risk communication systems. Health workers have been adequately trained on proper vaccine administration and safety monitoring. The LSPHCB has also engaged extensively with Local Government Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, and community stakeholders to foster widespread acceptance and participation.
The Lagos State Government is making a final appeal to all parents, guardians, and community leaders. Full cooperation from households is vital to ensure health workers can administer the life-saving drops. By working together, residents can help keep Lagos polio-free and secure the health of future generations.
