Nigerian-Born Florida Surgeon General Announces Controversial Plan to End All Vaccine Mandates in the State

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Editorially reviewed by the DLHA Team

Joseph A. Ladapo, MD, PhD, is the State Surgeon General of Florida.,USA. Photo credit.

Florida’s Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, a Nigerian-born American physician known for his outspoken views on vaccines, has announced a sweeping plan to end all vaccine mandates in the state. If fully implemented, Florida would become the first U.S. state to abolish such requirements in schools, workplaces and healthcare facilities.

Dr. Ladapo made the announcement in Tallahassee, describing vaccine mandates as “immoral” and insisting that individuals must have complete freedom to choose. “People have a right to make their own informed decisions,” he declared. “They don’t have the right to tell you what to put in your body.”

While his words were met with applause from supporters, health experts across the U.S immediately warned that the move could have dangerous consequences for public safety.

Who Is Dr. Joseph Ladapo?

Born in Nigeria and raised in the United States, Dr. Joseph Ladapo was appointed Florida’s Surgeon General by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. He has since become a controversial figure in American health policy, aligning closely with conservative and MAGA-aligned politics.

Dr. Ladapo is best known for questioning the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and resisting mask mandates during the pandemic. He has clashed openly with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has previously urged halting the use of certain COVID-19 vaccines.

In 2024, he drew criticism after refusing to follow CDC guidance during a measles outbreak at a Florida elementary school. Instead of requiring unvaccinated children to stay home for 21 days, as recommended, he left the decision up to parents. Paediatricians and health officials described his stance as “reckless” and “dangerous.”

Why the Announcement Is Controversial

Public health experts say ending vaccine mandates could undo decades of progress in controlling infectious diseases.

• Risk of Outbreaks: Without requirements for vaccination in schools or healthcare settings, diseases such as measles, mumps and whooping cough could spread more easily.

• Break with Scientific Consensus: Both the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) stress that vaccine mandates are critical for maintaining herd immunity.

• Politicisation of Health: Critics argue the decision reflects political ideology more than medical science. The American Academy of Paediatrics warned the policy would “endanger children and vulnerable populations.”

On the other hand, Dr. Ladapo and his supporters argue that mandates infringe on personal liberty. They insist the government should not dictate private medical choices. Still, the potential risks are serious. According to the WHO, vaccines have prevented an estimated 154 million deaths globally in the past 50 years which is a testament to their role in safeguarding public health.

Why African Countries Should Exercise Caution

Dr. Ladapo’s announcement carries an added layer of significance for Africans. As a Nigerian-American in a prominent position, his views may influence public debate both in the Diaspora and across the continent.

However, African countries face very different realities compared to Florida:

1. Fragile Health Systems

Many African nations still struggle with limited healthcare infrastructure. Weakening vaccine policies could quickly overwhelm hospitals during outbreaks.

2. Uneven Vaccine Coverage

Immunisation rates for diseases like measles and polio remain inconsistent across the continent. Removing mandates in such contexts would risk reversing hard-earned gains.

3. Past Lessons

Experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic showed how misinformation and vaccine hesitancy slowed Africa’s response. Adopting policies that discourage vaccination could worsen this challenge.

4. Community Protection

In societies where extended families and communities live closely together, collective protection through vaccination is especially critical. Without it, preventable diseases can spread rapidly.

Related: Childhood Vaccines and Routine Immunization in Nigeria

In short, while Florida may experiment with dismantling mandates, African policymakers must prioritise their own public health realities because copying Florida’s approach could expose millions to preventable illnesses.

A Global Debate with Local Implications

Dr. Joseph Ladapo’s bold plan has placed Florida at the center of a heated global debate about vaccines, freedom and public responsibility. Whether or not the policy succeeds in Florida, its ripple effects will be felt far beyond U.S borders.

For African countries, the key lesson is caution. Public health policies must be based on science, local realities and the protection of vulnerable populations rather than political ideology. Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools against disease and while debates about personal freedom will continue, the stakes in Africa are simply too high to take risks with immunisation.

Source: The Associated Press Newsroom

Related: Florida Surgeon General Defies CDC Guidance Amid School Measles Outbreak 

Published: September 10, 2025

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