LSPHCB PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO LAGOS CHIEF IMAM, SEEKS ISLAMIC LEADERS’ SUPPORT TO BOOST VACCINE UPTAKE
The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) has intensified its collaboration with Islamic leaders to promote vaccine acceptance and uptake in faith-based communities.
In a courtesy visit to the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, and other senior clerics, the Permanent Secretary of LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, underscored the pivotal role of religious leaders in driving public health awareness and correcting misinformation on immunisation.
“Vaccines are vital for strengthening children’s immune systems and protecting them from life-threatening but preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and others,” Dr. Mustafa said.
“Routine immunisation is not just a health strategy, it is an act of responsibility and compassion. As religious leaders, your voices carry significant weight. We believe your partnership can help dispel fears, correct misinformation, and encourage greater participation in immunisation efforts.”
Dr. Mustafa also highlighted the importance of the HPV vaccine for pre-teen girls, stressing its role in preventing cervical cancer.
To aid advocacy efforts, the Board presented culturally sensitive, faith-aligned educational materials for distribution in mosques and other Islamic platforms.
The meeting, part of the HPV Vaccine Awareness and Uptake Project, is in line with the Lagos State Government’s goal of building healthier communities through inclusive partnerships.
Sheikh Abou-Nolla thanked the delegation and pledged continued support for spreading vaccine awareness within Islamic congregations across the State.
The session was attended by Mrs. Adesola Grace Honfor, Director of Health Education and Promotion Services; Nurse Oluwakemi Oshodi, State Immunisation Officer; Dr. Adeniji, Assistant Immunisation Programme Officer; regional Islamic clerics; district representatives; and officials from UNICEF, CHAI, and WHO.
