2 weeks Ago By Chioma Umeha
LAGOS – In an effort to address the critical issue of zero-dose children – those who have not received any vaccinations – the Lagos State Government has joined forces with Save the Children International (SCI) to unveil a groundbreaking immunisation initiative, titled, BOOST Project. This programme, known as the Better Opportunity for Optimal Services and Targeted Immunisation for Zero Dose and Under Immunised Children (BOOST Project), aimed to significantly increase vaccination rates among vulnerable populations in the region. The four-year programme, 2024–2027, funded by GSK, is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and state health ministries in Lagos and Kano.
It is specifically designed to identify and immunise zero-dose and under-immunised children, who either have not received any vaccine or have not completed their immunisation schedules. According to the 2022 World Universal Immunization Coverage Report (WUENIC), Nigeria is home to approximately 2.3 million zero-dose children, 26.
5 per cent of children under age one, ranking second globally in 2021. Lagos State’s Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) reportedly had the highest number of zero-dose children in Nigeria, with over 35,000 unvaccinated. The BOOST project in Lagos will focus on two high-burden LGAs, Alimosho and Ikorodu, while Ungogo and Gezawa are the target LGAs in Kano State.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement workshop in Lagos, Lagos State Project Manager and Advocacy Coordinator for BOOST, Dr Itunu Dave-Agboola, explained that the initiative aims to create a sustainable environment for immunisation through strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement. “We are working to ensure that every child in Lagos, especially those who have never received any form of vaccination, is reached. This project will not only provide vaccines but also address systemic challenges like health workforce support, funding, and policy implementation,” she said.
Dave-Agboola noted that SCI will work closely with the Lagos State Accountability Mechanism (LASAM) for Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Health and Nutrition to build sustainable structures that promote immunisation access and reduce preventable child deaths. The workshop brought together LASAM subcommittees on Evidence, Advocacy, and Knowledge Management & Communication (KMC) to finalise advocacy briefs and determine the next steps for the project’s implementation. She also emphasised the role of the media in driving awareness and public support.
“We are calling on the media to go beyond event coverage and help educate the public on the importance of immunisation. Media advocacy can also push for stronger commitments from both government and private sector actors,” she added. The BOOST Project underscores a renewed commitment by SCI and the Lagos State Government to eradicate vaccine inequity and ensure that no child is left behind.
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