Korea and UNICEF Launch Immunization Drive in Lagos

On Friday, UNICEF and the Republic of Korea launched a significant immunization initiative in Badagry Local Government Area, Lagos State, aimed at addressing the high number of zero-dose children in Nigeria, currently estimated at 2.2 million, the highest globally. Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, emphasized the critical need to close the immunization gap and ensure every Nigerian child has access to life-saving vaccines.

The initiative is part of a global partnership, with the Republic of Korea contributing $70 million, including $5.6 million earmarked for Nigeria, focusing on 40 local government areas across Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Bauchi, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, reiterated the state's commitment to equitable healthcare access, highlighting the importance of collaboration to achieve universal immunization coverage.

The program aims to strengthen the immunization system and address barriers to vaccine uptake in underserved communities.