The Business NG - October 17, 2024

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In a bid to protect its residents from the scourge of preventable diseases, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has launched a massive immunization drive in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The campaign, which kicked off on October 19th, aims to immunize 18 million Lagos residents against measles, yellow fever, and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Abimbola Bowale, the goal of the exercise is to achieve herd immunity by ensuring that at least 95% of the eligible population receive the measles vaccine and 80% receive the yellow fever vaccine. He emphasized that the activities are not merely operational tasks but life-saving interventions that contribute to the health and well-being of future generations.

The State Immunization Programme Coordinator, IPC for Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Adetola Akinpelu, noted that the outbreaks show an immunity gap in the community, which the state-wide immunization activity aims to close while ramping up routine immunization processes in the states.

UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change Specialist, Aderonke Akinwole, said the fund intends to employ the help of journalists to combat myths through credible and easy-to-understand content, which will promote and increase vaccine trust and acceptance. She noted that measures are in place in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to deploy qualified personnel, potent vaccines, and other equipment to ensure the success of the exercise.