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..
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