Lagos State is set to commence a statewide Measles–Rubella, MR, and Routine Immunisation, RI, campaign aimed at protecting children and adolescents against vaccine-preventable diseases.
This is as the First Lady of the state, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, is scheduled to officially flag off the exercise on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The week-long campaign, which will run until Wednesday, February 5, 2026, will be implemented across all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in the state.
It is part of an integrated public health intervention aligned with national and global immunisation goals to reduce childhood illnesses and mortality.
Measles remains a major cause of vaccine-preventable diseases among children, while rubella infection, particularly during pregnancy, can result in congenital rubella syndrome with serious consequences such as heart defects, cataracts, hearing impairment and developmental delays in infants.
Speaking on the importance of the campaign, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, described routine immunisation as a proven and cost-effective intervention for preventing diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, whooping cough, diphtheria, cervical cancer and others.
He noted that the integrated immunisation campaign is a critical step towards safeguarding public health in the state, stressing that Lagos is committed to reaching every eligible child and adolescent regardless of location or socio-economic status.
According to him, all vaccines to be administered during the campaign are safe, effective and provided free of charge.
Dr. Mustafa further explained that sustained immunisation efforts play a significant role in reducing child morbidity and mortality, improving school attendance and promoting long-term economic and social development.
He urged parents, guardians, community and religious leaders, as well as school authorities, to support the campaign by ensuring that eligible children and adolescents are vaccinated.
The campaign will be implemented with the support of key development partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund and other immunisation partners.
These collaborations are expected to strengthen vaccine delivery, cold chain management, health worker training and community engagement across the state.
Vaccination services will be provided at primary health care facilities, schools, religious centres and temporary vaccination posts to ensure that hard-to-reach and underserved populations are adequately covered.
All vaccinations will be administered by trained health personnel in line with national and international safety standards.
Residents have been encouraged to visit the nearest primary health care centre or designated vaccination post within their communities during the campaign period, as Lagos State continues its drive towards building a healthier, safer and more resilient population through effective immunisation.