By: Ayo Agbeoluwaye
The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA),and other relevant stakeholders is set to commence a statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign following the detection of an orphan circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) in Makoko, Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
The outbreak response is scheduled to commence on Saturday, November 8, 2025, as part of concerted national and state efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission and protect every child from the risk of paralysis.
According to the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi noted that routine environmental surveillance had earlier detected the orphan cVPV2 isolation, an indication of potential ongoing transmission in samples collected from the densely populated riverine community of Makoko.
He explained that the discovery underscores the urgency of implementing a rapid and comprehensive response to boost population immunity and prevent further spread of the virus and a move to safeguard the lives of children.
Dr. Akinwunmi stressed that Lagos State Government will conduct two intensive rounds of house-to-house vaccination campaigns across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the State noting that the campaign targets children under the age of five years irrespective of their previous polio status
Ahead of the campaign, the State Government has engaged critical stakeholders including Local Government Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Market Associations, and Health Workers’ Unions to foster community participation and ownership.
The statement adds that the Lagos State Government urges all parents, guardians, and residents to ensure that every child under five years old receives the two drops of the polio vaccine during this campaign.
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