By Sodiq Adelakun
Lagos State Government has mobilised council chairmen, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to drive an aggressive campaign on immunisation across the state.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who chairs the newly inaugurated State Task Force on Immunisation and Primary Health Care Services, said on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja, that the initiative was established to ensure every child in Lagos receives life-saving vaccines.
Dr. Hamzat commended immunisation teams for their efforts in previous years but insisted that coverage must expand to communities yet unreached. He urged clerics to use sermons to enlighten worshippers on the potency of vaccines, while schools must play their role in ensuring students are duly vaccinated.
“We want our religious leaders to use their various sermons to inform people about the potency of the vaccine. We equally want our schools to be aware of their role in ensuring the students are duly vaccinated,” Hamzat said.
He emphasised that collective responsibility with health stakeholders would guarantee success, adding that government would increase budgetary allocation to primary health care for improved service delivery.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening grassroots sensitisation and improving access to quality healthcare. According to him, weak primary healthcare platforms translate into sickly communities, while robust immunisation programmes prevent diseases such as hepatitis, cervical cancer, and malaria.
“For Lagos State to improve uptake, the services must improve. That includes infrastructure, equipment, and human resources,” Prof. Abayomi stated.
Permanent Secretary, Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha, said the state is determined to strengthen governance and accountability in primary healthcare, ensuring no resident is left behind in accessing vaccines and other essential services.
He explained that the Task Force would improve immunisation coverage, build resilience in the health system, and boost collaboration between government and private stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of council chairmen, Chairman of Conference 57 and Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Mr. Sesan Olowa, pledged full support of local councils towards achieving the state’s immunisation targets.