Morenikeji Adebayo
As part of activities marking the 2025 World Immunisation Week and Polio Awareness Week, UNICEF and the Lagos State Government have renewed calls for strengthened routine immunisation systems to protect children from preventable diseases, especially polio.
Speaking during the “#Walk for Polio” event in Lagos, Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, highlighted the urgency of reaching the over two million Nigerian children who are still “zero-dose” — children who have not received a single dose of any vaccine.
“It’s an honour to walk with all of you today,” Lafoucriere told dignitaries, development partners, community leaders, and children who participated in the walk. “This walk reminds us how far we’ve come — and how far we still have to go.”
According to her, vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives globally since 1974, with six lives saved every minute in the last five decades.
She noted that while the oral polio vaccine has helped prevent over 24 million cases of paralysis globally, recent trends show a resurgence of polio in Lagos due to low immunisation coverage, poor sanitation, and malnutrition.
“Before the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 1,000 children were paralyzed every single day. Today, thanks to global efforts, polio cases have dropped by 99.9%,” she said. “But friends, we are not done yet.”
Lafoucriere called for a renewed political commitment to routine immunisation, stressing that relying solely on vaccination campaigns is unsustainable.
“Routine immunisation must become the norm for every child born in Lagos,” she said, urging a shift towards systems that provide consistent and universal vaccine access.
The event was attended by Lagos First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, among other top officials.
Reiterating UNICEF’s commitment, Lafoucriere said the agency would continue to support Lagos in reaching hard-to-reach children, training health workers, and building community trust. “One unvaccinated child is a risk to all,” she warned.
The event concluded with a united call to “end zero-dose, end polio — for good,” as participants walked in solidarity to promote vaccine awareness and the importance of routine immunisation.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
