Failed IVF cycles don't define you

Survivors and specialists rewrite narrative

at FAAI forum

By Sola Ogundipe

 

 

At a fertility awareness programme convened by the Fertility Awareness Advocate Initiative (FAAI), with technical support from Nordica Fertility Center, Lagos, fertility advocates and married couples who have experienced both successful and failed IVF cycles laid bare the emotional toll of IVF failure, an issue specialists say is more common, more painful, and more misunderstood than many care to admit.

With trembling voices and tearful testimonies, they recounted failed cycles, financial strain, and the quiet loneliness of infertility, while psychologists, counsellors and doctors said hope lies in shared stories and support. 

FAAI is an organisation built by people who know the sharp pain of IVF failure, the tears after a negative test, the financial strain, and the loneliness that comes with infertility.

Opening the dialogue, the Vice President of FAAI, Mrs. Vivian Patrick spoke with a voice that carried weight of someone who had lived the story she was trying to tell.

“Fertility journey is not simple, it is a journey I have been through, and thousands have gone through, and that is why we came together to give warmth, support, and a shoulder to lean on.

“I did so many things, heard so many suggestions, people’s advice, myths, pressures, I tried everything and none worked.”

First IVF cycle

She recalled that her first IVF cycle had produced more than a dozen eggs, yet not a single embryo; the second cycle delivered the same result.

“By the third attempt, hope had thinned, only five eggs were retrieved, two were bad, two were immature, and just one was usable, yet even that one failed to fertilise.

“When they called me I cried, I told God, ‘I’m done. Whatever you want to do, please do it.’ I had nothing left.”

But something unexpected happened. The lab called days later to say that from what seemed like nothing, three embryos had formed.

“Three, from nothing!” she repeated, her face breaking into a smile. An embryo transfer followed and months later, she held her son - her living miracle.

Failure to triumph

Her story, steeped in failure before triumph, became the emotional anchor of the forum   organised to confront the realities of IVF failure, an issue specialists say is more common, more painful, and more misunderstood than many care to admit.

Her testimony paved the way for layers of  conversation after failed cycles, the blame that ricochets between partners, and the crushing financial sacrifices people make for a chance at a child.

Vivian reminded the audience that they were not alone, and that FAAI existed to break the silence, the myths, the shame, and the fear. She brought along her son, the bright, healthy 7-year-old boy born through IVF up to the front. She wanted people to see his energy and  brilliance, to see that IVF children are not different.

One after another, the men and women opened up - voices trembling, eyes damp, hearts trying to steady themselves as they revisited moments they had tried so hard to forget. They relieved how they had done everything right and still faced failure.

Six failed cycles

There was a woman who had endured six failed IVF cycles, each  complicated by a difficult embryo transfer. The experts explained possible causes as another  woman, visibly trembling as she spoke, said she had removed both fallopian tubes on doctor’s advice and then used her one chance at IVF through a grant.

“The cycle failed, since then I have been confused, I keep asking myself what I did wrong.” Her voice broke.

Possibilities of failure

Doctors answered gently explaining that removing the tubes was not the cause, saying there were other possibilities such as embryo quality, sperm quality, the state of the uterus, and the cervix.

IVF failure, they explained, is rarely one reason, rather it is often a collision of many invisible factors.

In another part  of the hall, a woman shook as she recalled the loss of her baby after a successful IVF pregnancy.

“The child was stillbirth, since then, I have not been able to conceive again.” The doctors reminded everyone listening that a previous pregnancy, even one that ended in heartbreak, is evidence that the body can conceive again. “It gives hope, even when everything else feels lost,” one expert assured.

IVF as last hope

“IVF is often seen as the last hope, when it fails, it doesn’t just break the cycle. It breaks people. The experts emphasised it is not merely a clinical process, rather, a journey that requires support, clarity, and compassion.

Mr. Pillot Gbolahan,  a psychologist noted:   “Infertility is one of the deepest emotional wounds a person can carry and yet it is the one we hide the most.

It can make even the strongest marriages tremble. However, an IVF failure does not mean the end of your story. It is just a chapter, you can rise again, you can try again, and you do not have to walk through this darkness alone.”

“IVF failure is not just a medical result, but it is a form of grief. Couples mourn not only the loss of a pregnancy, but the loss of hope, identity, control, and sometimes dignity,” he avowed.

Role of stress

Gbolahan explained that chronic stress releases hormones that can interfere with fertility treatment outcomes.

  “Stress is not good for any human body, and in IVF treatment, it can significantly reduce success rates.  One of the most stressful periods for couples is the 10–14 day wait after embryo transfer, 24 hours can suddenly feel like 96 hours. People check their bodies for imaginary symptoms, some test too early out of fear. The emotional tension is enormous.

 “Partners should create safe spaces for expressing grief, anger, or confusion without judgment and without dismissing feelings. Fertility treatment is not a woman’s journey, men must be involved in appointments, decisions, emotional support, and treatment steps.”

Also speaking on “The role of Counselling in Assisted Reproductive Technology / IVF”, a fertility counselor,  Mrs. Precious Balogun, harped on the fact that infertility is not a private shame, but a  medical condition for which solutions exist.

She said counselling is not an optional add-on but a critical part of the treatment. It guides patients before, during, and after IVF, offering information, emotional support, and clarity about expectations. 

The counsellor noted that IVF often triggers a mix of fear, guilt, pressure and uncertainty. “Patients worry about every stage: the first scan, the egg retrieval, the embryo transfer, and the silent, nerve-racking wait for pregnancy test results. Sometimes, fear makes you conclude on yourself before life gives you a chance.

“Counselling prepares patients mentally for procedures, especially injections. Many women dread needles but must learn to self-inject daily. Some face panic before routine checks, imagining the worst. Support makes the fear bearable, and people cope better when surrounded by those who understand the journey.”

Marital strain

She also highlighted the strain IVF can place on marriages. Because women undergo more visible procedures, many people assume men are unaffected. But men have their own fears ranging from poor semen parameters, pressure from family, and the silent expectation to be strong even when they are crumbling. 

“Without counseling, couples often misunderstand one another’s pain. The process becomes filled with blame, resentment, or emotional distance. Counselling teaches communication, helps couples understand each other’s emotional needs, and encourages joint decision-making on issues like the number of embryos to transfer or when to attempt the next cycle.”

One of the strongest points she raised was the weight of past trauma. 

“Many women fear starting IVF again because of previous miscarriages, failed treatments or lost pregnancies. Even those who achieve a positive result sometimes remain numb, unable to celebrate because they fear another loss.

“Counselling helps process painful memories so that past grief does not swallow present hope. Support is not just for women, men, too, need a place to express vulnerability, talk about pressure from family, fear of failure, or the shame that often keeps them silent. Counselling gives them a voice and teaches couples to face the journey as a team.

Why IVF cycles fail

In a presentation entitled: “Why IVF Cycles may fail”, a fertility specialist with Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Dr.  Victor Ajayi, explained the delicate science behind the procedure.  

“Some cycles are better done frozen than fresh. In situations where a woman’s hormone levels are too high, transferring embryos immediately reduces the chances of success. Freezing them, allowing the body to recover, and returning in a calmer cycle can give hope another chance. 

“The same applies to women with endometriosis – an illness that silently disrupts the uterus, making implantation difficult. For them, collecting eggs, fertilizing them, and storing the embryos before embarking on months of treatment is often the safest path.

“But science was only half of the truth. The other half, raw, painful, human, rested in the stories of women who had done everything right and still faced failure.”

Ajayi described how couples sell land, cars, even relocate across continents chasing hope. “IVF is often seen as the last hope. When it fails, it doesn’t just break the cycle. It breaks people. Understanding failure is so difficult, patients are told their embryos look ‘excellent’ yet no pregnancy occurs. 

“People ask, ‘Why not one embryo? Why didn’t even one stay?’ They wonder if changing doctors or hospitals would help. But the truth is, even in the best centers in the world, IVF can fail.

“Science is delicate. Eggs and sperm must both be of good quality, they must meet, fertilize, and develop into genetically normal embryos. The lining of the womb must be receptive, like good soil waiting for a seed. Even when everything looks ideal, implantation may still not occur. IVF remains, in many ways, a miracle shaped by biology, timing, and chance.”

Do your due diligence

In the view of the Medical Director/CEO Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, “Do your investigation about IVF centres with due diligence, don’t rely on casual sources, you need to crosscheck the facts. It is important for us to keep searching and not be lazy. Some patients are given information about side effects, but doctors don’t always put that in writing or explain it clearly. 

“Don’t give anyone the right to control your life. Science depends on integrity, that’s the way to get reliable information, it’s better to search based on evidence, not just opinion. That’s why you need to know what real research looks like, you need to investigate, not just accept information blindly. Don’t take anything as 100 percent proven without checking. 

“I usually tell clients: your right as a patient is to ask questions, even if they seem silly. If you don’t, you’re not being fair to yourself, no matter the question, ask, even if you’re unsure, cross‑check. And as I always say, because I’m in the medical space, experience matters. What you will see from experienced professionals is invaluable.

“When in doubt, ask the doctor. Without reliable guidance, the path to parenthood through IVF risks being overshadowed by confusion, fear, and mistrust. The goal of all this is that at the end of the process, you want to have a child. If you lose focus on the goal and start chasing other things, you won’t get the result. When you start to force the little things, trying to micromanage, trying to push too hard, it becomes counterproductive.

As part of the forum, one lucky subscriber emerged the winner for a free IVF cycle through an electronic spin-the-wheel selected. Four other lucky persons were randomly picked from the hall and from the online participants. It was a moment of levity in a gathering built on stories of pain and perseverance.

Treat mental health as national security, FG charged

•As Kings Psychiatry debuts, seeks policy reforms

By Sola Ogundipe

Worried by the increasing spate of mental health challenges among Nigerians, a mental health specialist, Dr Oluwatoyin Oladejo has called on the Federal government to place mental health on the same priority level as national security and physical healthcare.

 Oladejo, a US trained healthcare entrepreneur, and Co-CEO of Kings Psychiatry, a Lagos-based mental health outpatient facility, warned that Nigeria's silent mental health epidemic was being fueled by stigma, poor policy integration and chronic shortage of specialists.

 Speaking at the unveiling of the mental health facility, Oladejo decried the increasing spate of mental health challenges warning that Nigeria may be sitting on a time bomb if urgent measures are not taken to stem the tide.

"This is a national issue, if the nation’s leaders and people are not mentally well, decision-making is affected and society cannot progress. 

 "Until we start talking about mental health openly, many more lives will be lost unnecessarily. Mental health is health, and Nigeria must treat it as such. 

"What we are proposing to the federal government is the integration of mental health screening into primary healthcare. When people come for routine checks like hypertension, diabetes or antenatal visits, they should also be screened for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues," she remarked.

Such integration, she explained, would help identify chronic conditions early and prevent tragic outcomes.

 "Primary healthcare providers should be empowered to start basic treatment immediately instead of waiting for a psychiatrist the patient may never be able to see.

 "If we intervene early in schools, we can reduce online abuse, workplace violence and broken families. Mental health is not a luxury; it is a national productivity issue. Untreated mental illnesses reduce workplace output, destabilise families and place a heavy financial burden on the country.

Calling for stronger engagement with faith-based organisations, she observed that churches have influence, noting that leaders should but educated to offer guidance on seeking professional mental health care and support.

A major policy gap, she argued, is the absence of routine mental health screening in Nigeria's primary healthcare system.

She said deep-rooted stigma surrounding mental illness forces families to hide affected relatives rather than seek help.

On his part, Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, and also Co-CEO of Kings Psychiatry, lamented that fewer than 300 psychiatrists in Nigeria were dangerously inadequate.

Oladejo, a former Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations in Lagos and past Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, described the criminalisation of attempted suicide as outdated and counterproductive.

"Someone who attempts suicide is not a criminal but a patient in crisis. They need urgent medical and psychological support, not arrest or prosecution," he said, adding that the Centre would actively support advocacy for legal reforms in line with global best practices.

"Our goal is to provide evidence-based, compassionate and confidential mental healthcare in an environment that restores dignity to patients. Mental illness should not be treated like a crime or hidden away in shame," he affirmed.

Kings Psychiatry meets international standards, with focus on privacy, professionalism and patient confidentiality.

It would offer psychiatric evaluations, counselling, psychotherapy, substance use disorder treatment and crisis intervention services. 

The new Centre, which operates strictly on an outpatient basis through appointment, offers discreet and affordable care. 

It plans large-scale community outreach, targeting educational institutions, worship houses and workplaces, with plans to address issues such as bullying, substance abuse, anxiety, and attention disorders from an early stage.

Lagos records breakthrough in Routine & HPV Immunisation with VaxSocial Project

By Sola Ogundipe

Lagos State has recorded a major breakthrough in routine and HPV immunisation awareness, and uptake through the Nigeria Vaccination Coverage (VaxSocial)  – a digital demand generation initiative reaching a total of 191,520 caregivers, supporting 92,219  on their routine immunisation journey and 98,601 guided on their HPV vaccination journey.

Overall, there were 3,900 immunisation-related facility visits in Lagos State during the course of the pilot project.

The project, sponsored by Gavi and supported by Nivi Inc, working closely with Save the Children in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, and the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, is a digital-first immunisation initiative designed to reduce vaccine hesitancy, boost confidence, and make vaccination more convenient for families. 

At the close-out ceremony of the project last week, the Programme Manager, VaxSocial Project, Dr. Felicia Mairiga, said it was a pilot to demonstrate if digital platforms can really work in supporting improving vaccination coverage. 

“In these last 18 months, we've done a lot, we've learned a lot, and we want to use that information and be context-specific about Lagos State, because there is opportunity for this to be scaled, not just in Lagos State, but in other states in the country. 

"This is a digital platform; it is in no way replacing all the immunisation projects in Lagos State. We just want to be sure that immunisation is carried along in this new wave of the use of digital spaces.

She noted that for the lessons learned not be lost, the initiative should be adopted into the Lagos state immunisation strategy, with expanded funding for HPV vaccination, motivation and incentivisation of health workers especially in hard-to-reach communities.

The recruitment of more frontline personnel to ease workload pressures, and guarantee consistent vaccine supply in every primary health centre were also recommended towards ensuring a future where no child or adolescent in Lagos misses vaccination because of misinformation, lack of access, or low confidence.

"It was a partnership between Save the Children and AskNivi - a digital platform and a digital-based organization, they support people to get access to the platform, and once you have access, you're able to get the correct information regarding routine immunisation and, of course, the HPV vaccine.  

“And then the way it is such that having access to the platform leads the caregiver on a journey to dispel all of their misinformation and to motivate them to take action fast and to refer them to the appropriate facilities. 

 “These people now have access so that they can continue to interact with this child, which goes even beyond immunisation to other health-related matters that they will need.  So that platform remains available, which they can access, through the QR code, through the WhatsApp number, or even on social media platforms, and continuously, whatever questions they have, continue to be addressed as they come.  

Also speaking, Veronica Obi, the Project Coordinator Nigeria Nivi Inc., stated: “VaxSocial is about digital demand generation, and we do this using awareness, where we do digital marketing online, creating awareness about routine immunisation and HPV vaccinations from our social media campaigns, and as we ran online, we had over 71 million impressions, which are how many people get to see this information or saw the information we passed about, HPV vaccination or routine immunization.

“We had over 13 million social media accounts reached, and over 100,000 people came in to chat with us on the chatbot about routine immunisation and HPV vaccination, and they received referrals to healthcare facilities. 

"The AskNivi platform is launched on WhatsApp, it is a Meta platform. and we leverage the security features of Meta, so the chats are end-to-end encrypted, they are 100 percent confidential. Currently, the people who chat most with us are 19 to 29 years, then we have the second highest number, which is 30 to 44 years.”

So far with the results we've recorded, we've had great feedback from the users who have used the AskNivi chatbot, and we hope to do more even though we're closing out.  We have a network of these users on the chatbot that anytime, even beyond the project, they can continue to chat with us and get health information.”  

On his part, John Oluwafemi, the Policy Advocacy and Campaign Officer, Save the Children, noted that the chatbot was designed with the mind that there are more English-speaking people in Lagos.

“But in our normal physical engagement with the community, they would rather prefer that we speak in Yoruba, contrary to the belief that Lagos is a place where English is the lingua franca. 

One of the observations in the process was the fact that a lot of people actually want to use technology. 

“Before you can be qualified to use the AskNivi platform, you must have a smartphone, while some people have smartphones, they don't have data; some have internet; but don't have data, and also, the people want to know if they can actually trust the platform,” he remarked.

Recounting some of the lessons learned, Dr. Magdalena Obande, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning Assistant on the VaxSocial Project, noted, "Among lessons we learned from the project is that nothing is built without trust. We are in a digital age, an AI age, but if the people don't trust the system, or are not good with what we do, they wouldn't have given us an open hand.  So trust paved a whole lot of ways for us to implement this project and for community-held volunteers to be able to onboard as much as they did in the project.

Lagos has intensified push for improved routine immunisation through community engagement — Mrs. Olusola Aketi, Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health

By Sola Ogundipe 

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has renewed its commitment to strengthening immunisation systems and community health engagement, calling on partners, health workers, and parents to intensify collaboration towards achieving universal vaccination coverage by 2030.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ dialogue in Lagos, the Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Aketi, said the state’s efforts are focused on transparency, accountability, and building trust within communities to improve vaccine uptake and health outcomes.

At the forum organised by Save the Children International under the GSK supported Better Opportunities for Optimised Targeted Intervention (BOOST) project for Zero-Dose and Unimmunised Children in Nigeria, Aketi noted that global partners such as USAID, UNICEF, and Save the Children have played crucial roles in sustaining progress, yet emphasised that local ownership and accountability remain vital.

“Vaccination distribution in Nigeria faces significant challenges  from data inconsistencies and worker attitudes to public hesitation and misinformation, but Lagos is taking deliberate steps to correct these gaps by strengthening monitoring systems, improving community engagement, and ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccines.

“We must prove to the international community that we are serious about our health systems. When partners lift their hands, our transparency and commitment should be evident,” she added.

Aketi acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s health infrastructure but also offered lessons in resilience and adaptability. According to her, the state is now prioritising initiatives that strengthen the immunisation value chain from vaccine logistics to public trust.

“Post-COVID, many believed that we could not sustain essential health services  but we proved otherwise. Lagos State health workers have demonstrated capacity, professionalism, and courage. The moment trust is eroded, it takes years to rebuild. That’s why communication and attitude among health workers are crucial. The way a service is delivered determines whether people will accept or reject it. 

“For you to give me the service, I need to believe in your competence. Our nurses, midwives, and vaccinators must see themselves as ambassadors of care. Our CSOs play a great role. They are the bridge between the health system and the community. They help us identify dark spots and reach the unreached,” she said.

The Director identified coaching and retraining of health personnel as core strategies to improve service delivery and community relations. She praised community-based organisations (CSOs) and civil society partners for their roles in supporting immunisation efforts across 

Highlighting the state’s recent introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for young girls, Aketi described it as “a game-changer in safeguarding the future of women.” noting that “A young lady vaccinated today is a woman protected tomorrow. That is how we prevent needless complications like cervical cancer.”

She urged parents and school proprietors to embrace routine immunisation and health education as essential responsibilities, not optional choices. “Through advocacy and engagement with school associations, we are encouraging parents to vaccinate their children. Immunisation is both a right and a duty,” she maintained.

Aketi further called for stronger collaboration with the media and implementing partners to promote accurate information and sustain public confidence. “The media is a powerful ally. Help us to tell the right stories, stories of hope, of survival, and of the government’s genuine effort to protect every Lagos child,” she appealed.

Applauding Save the Children and GSK for their financial and technical support, she reiterated that sustainable progress depends on continued funding and policy enforcement. 

“Financial sustainability and accountability are key. We must make sure that every resource received is well-utilized and reported transparently. Lagos State is ready, leading by example in achieving Nigeria’s immunisation goals. We have done a lot, but there’s still more to do. 

“With shared responsibility, trust, and sustained advocacy, we can secure a healthier future for our children. By working together,  government, partners, communities, and the media, we will deliver on the 2030 immunisation agenda,” Aketi said..

Routine immunization: We have seen improvements but overall coverage remains low --- Mrs Kemi Oshodi, State Immunization Officer, Lagos

By Sola Ogundipe 

Concerns have been raised over declining routine immunisation coverage across several Local Government Areas in Lagos State as revelations show that 63,597 children were unvaccinated in the state between January and September 2025.

Speaking at stakeholders dialogue of key players in the Lagos State health sector organised by Save the Children International under the GSK supported Better Opportunities for Optimised Targeted Intervention (BOOST) project for Zero-Dose and Unimmunised Children in Nigeria,  the State Immunisation Officer, Lagos, Mrs. Kemi Oshodi, decried uneven progress of routine immunisation across the LGAs, noting that some councils failed to meet even minimum coverage targets. 

In a review of the 2025 Quarter 3 Routine Immunisation report for Lagos State, Oshodi stated: “We have seen some improvements, but our overall coverage remains below expectation. For a megacity like Lagos, 78 per cent coverage is not where we should be. From the state’s data, Lagos operates 874 primary health facilities, of which 334 offer routine immunisation services. 

“Out of five tertiary health institutions, four currently administer vaccines. The state uses two population benchmarks, the Lagos Bureau of Statistics estimate of 30.9 million residents and the national projection of 15.1 million,  both based on the 2006 census with a 3.2 per cent annual growth rate,“ Oshodi said.

According to the state’s data, Lagos operates 874 primary health facilities, of which 334  offer routine immunisation, while four out of five tertiary health institutions currently offer routine immunisation services, nevertheless, the State fell short of its vaccination targets across all antigens.

“For instance, coverage for penta 1 stood at 78 percent by Quarter 3, below the expected 90 per cent threshold, while measles 2 coverage dropped to as low as 21 per cent in some LGAs.”

Further, she said rotavirus vaccine coverage was affected by recurrent national stockouts, and lamented poor uptake of the measles 2 vaccine largely because caregivers fail to return when children reach 15 months.

Oshodi explained that the state uses two population benchmarks, the Lagos Bureau of Statistics estimate of 30.9 million residents and the national projection of 15.1 million  both based on the 2006 census.

It was gathered that Surulere and Kosofe LGAs were flagged for particularly poor performance, even as Alimosho LGA, which has the state’s largest child population, recorded encouraging numbers in absolute figures, although still showed large gaps in overall coverage and a high number of unvaccinated children.

“Surulere has consistently underperformed despite full data entry. We’ve had several engagement meetings with them and hope to see progress by the last quarter. Alimosho alone accounts for more than 14,000 unimmunised children, and by year’s end, we may be looking at up to 20,000 unvaccinated children,” Oshodi warned.

Citing multiple factors for the lagging numbers, including vaccine stockouts, human resource shortages, and vaccine hesitancy in certain communities, the SIO called for more public awareness and enlightenment.

“Many parents believe that once their child turns one, vaccination ends. Others are simply unaware that they need to return for the second measles dose.”

Among others, she pointed at community distrust of government health initiatives. For instance in parts of Surulere such as Itire, Coker, and Aguda, officials reported vaccine hesitancy linked to political tensions and misinformation.

Oshodi cited a development from the Mile 12 area of Kosofe, where immunisation turnout dropped drastically after a beloved male health worker was temporarily transferred. “He’s very friendly with the community. When he was moved, coverage at that facility fell sharply,” she recounted.

According to the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Lagos has a population of N30.9 million. Children unvaccinated (Jan–Sept 2025) totalled 63,597; LGAs with highest number of unimmunized children are Alimosho, Kosofe, Surulere,been as measles 2 coverage dropped as low as 21 per cent in some LGAs, while HPV vaccination coverage exceeded targets in five  pilot LGAs

The review showed that across all antigens, Lagos fell short of its vaccination targets. For instance, coverage for Penta 1 stood at 78 percent by the third quarter, below the expected 90 percent threshold, while measles 2 coverage dropped to as low as 21 percent in some local government areas. 

Multiple factors cited for the lagging numbers, include vaccine stockouts, human resource shortages, and vaccine hesitancy in certain communities. According to Oshodi, logistical barriers such as lack of weekend vaccination options and limited community awareness campaigns, especially in hard-to-reach and highly mobile areas like Ibeju-Lekki and Ikosi-Isheri played a role.

On a brighter note, Lagos recorded strong performance in the HPV vaccination campaign, particularly in school-based programmes targeting girls aged nine years. Oshodi said the school-based strategy has proven most effective, noting that consent is easier to obtain in schools, while it remains a challenge in communities.

Community distrust of government health initiatives also emerged as a recurring barrier. In parts of Surulere such as Itire, Coker, and Aguda, officials reported vaccine hesitancy linked to political tensions and misinformation. 

The state has categorized LGAs by performance, marking Kosofe and Surulere as high-risk councils requiring urgent intervention. Monthly data reviews are ongoing, with a comprehensive Quarter 4 assessment scheduled for January 2026. 

Despite current setbacks, Oshodi expressed optimism. “We’ve engaged underperforming LGAs and shared strategies for reaching children in densely populated areas. With continued partner support, we expect significant improvement by the end of the year,” she said.

All hands must be on deck to ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines — Dr. Itunu Dave-Agboola, Policy & Advocacy Coordinator, GSK- BOOST Project

By Sola Charles

At a dialogue in commemoration of World Polio Day 2025, key players in the Lagos State health sector converged with a unified resolve to strengthen routine immunisation and end the scourge of vaccine-preventable diseases among children.

The stakeholder meeting  organised by Save the Children International under the GSK Better Opportunities for Optimised Targeted Intervention (BOOST) project for Zero-Dose and Unimmunised Children in Nigeria, brought together representatives from government, professional health associations, academia, media and development partners among others 

Speaking at the forum, the Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the BOOST Project, Dr. Itunu Dave-Agboola, explained that the gathering was one of several activities designed to mark the 2025 World Polio Day, an initiative originally championed by Rotary International. She said the meeting aimed to identify the enablers and barriers to routine immunisation in Lagos and across Nigeria, noting that despite progress made, significant challenges remain.

“Some of the barriers identified include inadequate funding, shortage of skilled manpower in hard-to-reach areas, and attitude, both from caregivers and health workers. We focus largely on attitude because attitude can be an issue on the part of both the health worker and the caregiver. 

“When the caregiver misses appointments or comes late, it could be an issue, and then that's why health workers in not showing empathy or not being kind to the caregiver or long waiting times could be things that would put off parents and caregivers from bringing their children for immunisation. Our expectation going forward is that all hands will be on deck from both public and private sectors to improve service delivery and ensure that every child receives life-saving vaccines,” she asserted.

The interactive session culminated in a communique outlining practical steps to overcome these barriers. Recommendations included improved service delivery, health worker training, enhanced caregiver education, and regular feedback meetings to evaluate progress and share best practices.

Dave-Agboola noted that all associations present pledged to cascade the resolutions to their members and play an active role in ensuring optimal immunisation coverage. She commended Save the Children International and GSK for funding the initiative under the BOOST project, describing the collaboration as a critical driver of Nigeria’s fight against zero-dose and under-immunised children.

“Part of our activities include sensitisation, creation of awareness, and we've had television and radio programmes to create awareness about the benefits of routine immunisation, and why prevention is better than cure, especially in the face of prevalence, childhood killer diseases, that are prevalent in our environment.

She said the activity was largely to call stakeholders together from both the public and private sector to identify the enablers and barriers to routine immunization. Among barriers identified include inadequate funding, inadequate manpower, especially in reaching rural and hard-to-reach areas, and then attitude.

We expect all hands will be on deck from both the public and private sector to ensure optimal routine immunisation by improving service delivery, improving the attitude of caregivers and health workers. 

“Caregivers will be certified through health education. They will be educated when they bring their children for immunisation, and health workers will be trained. Their capacity will be built on how to relate better, build rapport with parents and caregivers who bring their children for immunisation."

Among participants were representatives of various health workers associations, including the Association of General Medical and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Nursery and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Nursery Council, Pediatric Association of Nigeria, Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Others were the Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH) and Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB). the Provost of the College of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Stakeholders unite under GSK-BOOST project to strengthen routine immunisation in Lagos State

By Sola Charles

Key stakeholders in the Lagos State health sector have consented to a strengthened commitment and partnership on routine immunisation towards combating vaccine-preventable diseases among children in the State.

The participants who included representatives of the Lagos State government, professional health associations, the academia, the media, and development partners among others  resolved to collaborate to fight against zero-dose and under-immunised children.

At the event put together by Save the Children International under the GSK-supported Better Opportunities for Optimised Targeted Intervention (BOOST) project for Zero-Dose and Unimmunised Children in Nigeria, among barriers identified were inadequate funding, shortage of skilled manpower in hard-to-reach areas, and the attitude from caregivers and health workers.

The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the BOOST Project, Dr Itunu Dave-Agboola, said that despite remarkable progress on immunization, challenges still prevail particularly as a result of health worker and caregiver attitude.

"The BOOST activities include sensitization, creation of awareness  about the benefits of routine immunization and why prevention is better than cure, especially in the face of prevalence, childhood killer diseases that are prevalent in the environment.

"When the caregiver misses appointments or comes late, it could be an issue, and then that's why health workers in not showing empathy or not being kind to the caregiver or long waiting times could be things that would put off parents and caregivers from bringing their children for immunisation.

“We expect all hands will be on deck from both the public and private sector in ensuring optimal routine immunization through improving service delivery, improving the attitude of caregivers and health workers,” Dave-Agboola said.

Highest number of zero dose children

On his part, the State Immunisation Programme Coordinator, Dr. Adetola Akinpelu, lamented what he called the dwindling fortunes of routine immunisation in Lagos, attributing the decline to exponential population growth and limited resources.

Akinpelu, who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), decried the development, noting, “When you compare Lagos to other states, it appears we’re doing very well, but when you dig deeper, you realise that the state also has the highest absolute number of zero-dose children. For every child vaccinated here, it’s like vaccinating five children in another state.”

Painting  a grim picture of the struggles faced by frontline health workers  from riverine communities involving the hiring of boats up to ₦200,000, he said overstretched vaccinators attend to 60–70 children a day, far above the recommended 15.

“Excellence brings its own problem. People migrate to Lagos in search of better opportunities, and the population keeps growing. The system is simply overstretched. Some of these communities are inaccessible for weeks. To reach them, you need not just resources, but commitment. That’s what BOOST is trying to address, finding sustainable solutions that go beyond quick fixes.”

Over 63,000 children unvaccinated Jan -Sept 2025

In a related development there were concerns about the falling routine immunisation coverage across several Local Government Areas in Lagos State as revelations show that over 63,000 children were unvaccinated in the state between January and September 2025.

The State Immunisation Officer, Lagos, Mrs. Kemi Oshodi, decried uneven progress of routine immunisation across the LGAs, saying some councils failed to meet even minimum coverage targets. In a review of the 2025 Quarter 3 Routine Immunisation report for Lagos State, Oshodi reassured that there was, however, hope on the horizon.

"We have seen some improvements, but overall, our coverage remains below expectation. For a megacity like Lagos, 78 percent Penta 1 coverage is not where we should be; the expected threshold is 90 percent, while measles 2 coverage dropped as low as 21 percent in some local government areas.

“Surulere has consistently underperformed despite full data entry. We’ve had several engagement meetings with them and hope to see progress by the last quarter. Alimosho alone accounts for more than 14,000 unimmunized children, and by year’s end, we may be looking at up to 20,000 unvaccinated children,” Oshodi warned.

On a brighter note, Lagos recorded strong performance in the HPV vaccination campaign, particularly in the school-based programmes targeting girls aged nine years as consent is easier to get in schools, while it is still a challenge in communities.

"We have engaged the underperforming LGAs and shared approaches for reaching children in high-density areas, so we expect to see significant improvement towards the end of the year," she stated.

Lagos bridging the gaps

Also speaking, the Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Aketi, assured that the State was more committed than ever to strengthening immunisation systems and community health engagement.

Aketi said that Lagos is making conscious efforts to bridge the immunization gaps by strengthening monitoring systems, improving community engagement, and ensuring that every child has access to life-saving vaccines.

 “We need to show the international community that we are serious about our health systems. When the partners lift their hands, our transparency and commitment should be apparent. Lagos State has now prioritized initiatives that strengthen the immunization value chain-from vaccine logistics to public trust.

“Post-COVID, many believed that we could not sustain essential health services  but we proved otherwise. Lagos State health workers have demonstrated capacity, professionalism, and courage. The moment trust is eroded, it takes years to rebuild. That’s why communication and attitude among health workers are crucial. 

"Our nurses, midwives, and vaccinators must see themselves as ambassadors of care. Our CSOs play a great role; they are the bridge between the health system and the community. They help us identify dark spots and reach the unreached.

" Lagos State is ready; it is leading by example in achieving Nigeria's immunisation goals. We have done a lot, but there's still more to do.," Aketi maintained, calling for stronger collaboration with the media and implementing partners to promote accurate information and sustain public confidence. 

In her remarks, the Provost of the College of Nursing, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Olubukola Adebimpe Olawuyi, urged renewed advocacy and better partnerships in overcoming the lingering vaccine hesitancy among parents, notably mothers within markets, schools, and religious settings.

She emphasized that effective community sensitization had to be taken away from the clinics and hospitals into people's immediate environments.

“It's almost 2026, and let me assure you that we are ever ready to partner with you anytime. We need to plan early, collaborate, and ensure that all - from health workers to community members - are prepared to play their role.

“Sometimes, people refuse to present their children for immunisation not because they don’t believe in it, but because of how they perceive the people delivering the service.

"If we can teach children from an early age what immunisation means and why it's important, they will grow up understanding that it's part of their wellbeing. Advocacy must start from the classroom," Olawuyi noted.

The activity was largely to call stakeholders together from both the public and private sector to identify the enablers and barriers to routine immunization. 

Recommendations comprised practical steps in overcoming these barriers through improved service delivery, training for the health workers, enhanced care giver education, and feedback meetings to provide an opportunity for review of progress or sharing of best practices.

Also present were representatives from the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Pediatric Association of Nigeria, Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, were among other associations.