Lagos launches Polio outbreak response campaign to vaccinate all children under five after detecting a poliovirus strain in Makoko community

Lagos Polio outbreak response campaign is set to begin across the state on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in a decisive effort to protect children from paralysis caused by the poliovirus.

Also read: Holger Knaack leads Rotary effort in Nigeria to end Polio

The Lagos State Government, through the Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), announced that the statewide campaign follows the recent detection of an orphan circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) in Makoko, a densely populated riverine area of Lagos Mainland.

Dr Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, the Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, said the discovery highlights the urgent need to reinforce population immunity and prevent further transmission.

He explained that the state, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other partners, will conduct two rounds of house-to-house vaccination across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 LCDAs.

“Every child under five, irrespective of prior vaccination status, will receive two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2), which is safe and approved by both NAFDAC and the WHO,” Dr Mustafa stated.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he added, “Our goal is to ensure that every child in Lagos is fully protected against polio.

The detection of this virus is a reminder that polio remains a threat until it is completely eradicated.”

Ahead of the exercise, the State has intensified engagements with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, and community influencers to ensure widespread participation and awareness.

Dr Mustafa assured residents that the vaccine is free, safe, and of the highest international standard. Health workers have been trained in proper handling, storage, and post-vaccination monitoring.

Also read: UNICEF calls for urgent action as polio variant detected in Kano State

The government urged parents and caregivers to welcome health teams into their homes, stressing that public cooperation is vital to maintaining Lagos’ polio-free status and safeguarding the health of future generations.