The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised the alarm over the resurgence of polio in Lagos, citing low immunisation coverage, poor sanitation, and malnutrition as key contributing factors. The warning was issued during the 2025 World Immunisation Week Advocacy Walk for Polio, held in partnership with the Lagos State Government.
UNICEF's Lagos Field Office Chief, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, stressed the urgency of addressing gaps in routine immunisation, pointing out that while the oral polio vaccine has helped prevent millions of cases globally, Nigeria is still witnessing new cases of polio due to persistent issues such as malnutrition and lack of consistent immunisation.
"The fact that vaccines are life-saving and proven to protect against disease, yet some communities only access them during campaigns, highlights a serious issue of sustainability in routine immunisation practices," she said. Lafoucriere called for heightened education to combat misinformation about vaccines, which continue to fuel vaccine hesitancy.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, echoed these concerns, describing immunisation as a fundamental right for every child. She emphasized that vaccines are safe and effective, urging residents to support the upcoming National Immunisation Plus Days from May 3rd to May 6th, where free oral polio vaccines will be provided to children across Lagos.
Key figures, including Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha and Dr. Segun Emiju, also highlighted the significance of the advocacy walk, stressing that every unvaccinated child poses a risk to public health. Dr. Chinenye Okafor from the World Health Organization warned that the failure to vaccinate hard-to-reach children could lead to Nigeria exporting preventable diseases.
As Lagos ramps up its immunisation efforts, the call for collective action to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunisation is louder than ever.
