Stakeholders partner communities, seek immunisation uptake

A greater level of trust and routine immunisation uptake have been demanded by stakeholders in Lagos State as part of efforts to guarantee that every kid is vaccinated against polio.

They made the request on Tuesday during an advocacy discussion in Ikeja, hosted by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.

Dr. Abimbola Bowale, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, asked for everyone's cooperation in making sure that every child received a sufficient vaccination.

"Our children are our future, and how we raise them will shape our society," the speaker stated. Immunisation is therefore one method to protect their future. Immunisations are what prevent our children from passing away at an early age.

"Getting children immunised will be made possible and easier to prevent diseases and deaths through the support of stakeholders in Lagos State."

Additionally, Mr. Muhammad Okorie, the UNICEF Programme Manager for Lagos State, stated that immunisation is a crucial issue that affects all children and is essential to a child's journey of survival.

He claims that one important action that can be used to realise a child's right to survive is immunisation.

He said, "We are assembled here today to reaffirm our commitment to making sure that every illness that can be prevented by vaccination is eradicated from all communities, whether they are remote or easily accessible.

In order to guarantee that every child born in Lagos State receives this crucial intervention—immunization—we must all come together in response to this call for action.

"When you provide for a child's necessities, he grows up to provide for the requirements of the country or society.

As a centre of excellence, Lagos State ought to take the lead in setting the agenda and carrying out the nation's child vaccination programme.

"Although there are obstacles to immunisation, we can get past them, as this is the greatest gift that can be given to a child at the appropriate time."
He stated that immunisation is both economical and life-saving in Lagos State and that children shouldn't be denied this essential care.

People must trust the vaccination process, but sadly, there are a lot of obstacles, according to UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Specialist Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole.

"Stakeholders in their individual capacities should progressively reduce the barriers, which include psychological, sociocultural, economic, religious, and institutional restrictions.

In order to ensure that every kid is raised with life-saving vaccinations to ensure that they develop and flourish in life, we see this as an opportunity to engage stakeholders and use their responsibilities to influence promotion and uptake for routine immunisation.

She said, "UNICEF has developed community-led initiatives and community engagement activities to ensure that parents adopt life-saving behaviours that will impact the development of the children, particularly in respect to primary health care services."

Child immunisation is a commitment and priority for the World Health Organisation, according to Dr. Chinyere Okafor, the coordinator for Lagos state, who was represented by Alhaja Lawal Sherifat.

"We understand that immunisation coverage in Lagos is gradually declining, therefore this conference couldn't come at a better moment. In the past, Lagos has often ranked top or second in the world for immunisation rates, but where are we now?

"It is not good for us that Lagos is ranked 20th and 16th. We aim to maintain our status as the "Centre of Excellence," and in order to do so, the support of all relevant parties is required.

"In Lagos, we are still experiencing zero dosages and lost opportunities. There is a bomb ready to go off in this area of zero doses.

Okafor said, "WHO has been leading the charge to eradicate polio for a long time, and we know that with your support, we can achieve this."

She asked traditional leaders to educate their people for a safer future and collaborate with the state's healthcare system.

In response, Seriki of Alimosho, Alhaji Ahmed Haruna, said he will make sure the Hausa community and other locals are informed about the advantages of immunising children.

He regretted, "One of the difficulties we face is that, when we approach families, women typically inform us that they prefer to get their husbands' approval before making any decisions, and this has significantly affected child immunisation."