Lagos State, through its Primary Health Care Board, will launch the “Big Catch-Up Routine Immunization Intensification Programme” from February 14-19, 2025.
Additionally, the Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) collaborates to enhance childhood vaccination rates and ensure health equity.
This initiative specifically targets five Local Government Areas to address COVID-19’s disruption of routine vaccinations. Moreover, it aims to reduce the alarming number of zero-dose cases among children and protect their health.
By targeting five LGAs, this initiative specifically addresses COVID-19’s disruption of childhood vaccinations, aiming to reduce rising zero-dose cases.
Moreover, the pandemic severely disrupted global health systems between 2020 and 2021.
Consequently, immunization coverage dropped at the fastest rate seen in three decades.
Furthermore, worldwide zero-dose cases surged by 40%, increasing from 13.3 million in 2019 to 18.2 million in 2021.
This alarming trend escalates the risks of preventable diseases, necessitating immediate and effective intervention.
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Nigeria faces critical challenges with 8.7 million vulnerable infants, including 2.3 million unvaccinated children (26.5%) in 2022 – the highest global rate.
This situation demands focused strategies like the Big Catch-Up program.
The program will prioritize children aged 24-59 months who missed essential vaccines (Pentavalent, IPV, PCV, BOP) between 2019-2022.
Mobile units will simultaneously provide routine immunizations for infants aged 0-23 months, targeting 60% coverage of missed cases through outreach services.
Furthermore, the initiative will tackle equity gaps by addressing social and gender barriers, ensuring vulnerable groups access vaccines. Aligning with global goals, it emphasizes inclusivity to “leave no child behind.”
By focusing on zero-dose populations, Lagos State aims to rebuild healthcare resilience and shield children from preventable outbreaks, reinforcing long-term public health security.
The Big Catch-Up programme represents a critical step toward achieving universal immunization coverage and safeguarding child survival in Nigeria.
