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Health experts and community leaders have raised concerns over the growing impact of misinformation on immunisation uptake in Lagos State, warning that false beliefs and myths are discouraging caregivers from vaccinating their children, thereby exposing many under-fives to preventable diseases.
According to the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Peace and Health Initiative (CEPI), Bunmi Tejumola, misinformation “enslaves the people” and remains a major factor behind vaccine hesitancy in several communities.
“Misinformation enslaves the people, makes caregivers and parents hesitant about immunisation uptake, while right information saves children, especially those under five. Out of every five children under five years, one has zero dose. That is to say, one out of the five has not been immunised at all in Nigeria,” Tejumola stated.
She stressed that vaccination remains one of the most effective and powerful public health tools, saving millions of lives annually by preventing diseases such as measles, polio, and whooping cough. “Vaccination prevents diseases and reduces the money one uses to treat sickness when it arises because the immunity is there to sustain the child even when attacked by diseases,” she added.
Tejumola called on caregivers, parents, and community leaders to ensure that all children under five receive their vaccines, noting that immunisation is free in Lagos State, with plans underway to make it more accessible in hard-to-reach areas.
To tackle low immunisation uptake, CEPI called on stakeholders such as the Local Government Primary Health Care Board, Ministry of Health, civil society organisations, and community leaders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders, and market women to join the 33-day campaign. She said the sensitisation drive would include digital campaigns and radio talk shows throughout the period.
Tejumola disclosed that the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has initiated mass immunisation campaigns targeting over 21 million residents. These campaigns aim to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases and address the challenges posed by misinformation. She further emphasised that improving immunisation coverage requires coordinated action from multiple stakeholders.
“Correct information should be shared with the people: parents, guardians, and caregivers by local authorities, CSOs, and community leaders during the ongoing immunisation campaigns,” she said.
The CEPI director also highlighted the crucial role of the media in combating misinformation, stressing that radio programmes and community-focused reporting can help dispel myths and build public trust. “Media outlets play a crucial role in these efforts by amplifying accurate information, dispelling myths, and encouraging vaccination,” she noted.
Tejumola reiterated that investing in childhood immunisation is an investment in the nation’s future.“By vaccinating children, we are not only protecting their present but investing in their future—ensuring they have the strength and immunity to thrive,” she said.
