The Lagos State Government will on Saturday, November 8, 2025, commence a statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign to protect children against the risk of paralysis following the detection of an orphan circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2) in Makoko, Lagos Mainland Local Government Area.
The campaign, coordinated by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and other development partners, forms part of joint national and state efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission.
Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, said routine environmental surveillance led to the detection of the virus in samples collected from Makoko, a densely populated riverine community, indicating possible community transmission.
He said the discovery underscores the urgency of launching a rapid and comprehensive response to boost population immunity and prevent further spread.
“Our goal is to ensure that every eligible child in Lagos receives the polio vaccine and remains protected from paralysis,” Dr. Mustafa said. “The detection of this virus is a reminder that polio remains a threat until it is completely eradicated.”
To achieve this, Lagos State will conduct two intensive rounds of house-to-house vaccination campaigns across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, targeting all children under five years of age — regardless of their previous vaccination status.
Each eligible child will receive two drops of the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2), which is safe, effective, and approved by both NAFDAC and the World Health Organization.
Dr. Mustafa added that the State Government has strengthened surveillance, vaccine logistics, and risk communication systems to ensure the success of the campaign. The LSPHCB has also intensified collaboration with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, and community influencers to encourage public participation and trust.
He assured that the vaccines are free of charge, have passed all safety and quality assurance tests, and will be administered by trained health workers equipped to maintain proper vaccine handling and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Dr. Mustafa called on parents, guardians, and caregivers to ensure that all children under five years old receive the vaccine, emphasizing that community cooperation is key to keeping Lagos polio-free.
“We urge every household to open their doors to vaccination teams. Together, we can safeguard the health of our children and secure a polio-free future for Lagos,” he stated.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with national and international partners to protect the health and well-being of all residents and ensure that Lagos remains a leader in public health response and disease prevention.