Stakeholders in Nigeria reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate polio transmission by December 2025 during a recent meeting. The WHO supports this initiative, emphasizing community engagement and the influential role of traditional leaders in vaccination efforts. Challenges remain, including vaccine hesitancy and inadequate coverage, but collaborative efforts are underway to achieve the goal of a polio-free Nigeria.
On February 27, 2025, stakeholders renewed their commitments to eradicate polio transmission in Nigeria by December 2025. The World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s government in strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) through innovative initiatives. WHO Country Representative Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo emphasized that these efforts align with Nigeria’s goal to eliminate all poliovirus types by 2025 during the First Quarter Review Meeting in Abuja.
Health and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Muhammad Pate, acknowledged the traditional leaders’ role in mobilizing community support and overseeing polio vaccination campaigns. He urged these leaders to intensify efforts to eliminate circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) by December 2025, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in immunization initiatives.
Dr. Mulombo highlighted the Nigerian government and traditional leaders’ commitment to combating polio, stating that 2024 had proven challenging for the program but now is a critical time to act decisively. He announced WHO’s commitment to fast-track the accreditation of the Ibadan polio laboratory, which has begun conducting polio sequencing as a vital resource in detecting wild and variant polioviruses.
Despite progress, Nigeria continues to report cVPVD2 cases. Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, addressed the challenges impeding eradication efforts, such as vaccine hesitancy, security concerns, and inadequate routine immunization coverage. He noted, “We need to push beyond our limitations and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated. Community engagement is key to our success.”
Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, chair of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC), called on traditional leaders to collaborate with religious influencers to enhance vaccination uptake. He expressed concerns regarding the inadequate performance of routine immunization in parts of Nigeria and asserted the need for tracking systems to ensure all children receive vaccinations, stressing, “Every unvaccinated child is a risk to all children in our communities.”
The NTLC’s quarterly meetings serve as an essential forum for reviewing the state of Nigeria’s polio program and addressing challenges in maternal and child health services. The recent gathering facilitated discussions among stakeholders about polio eradication, routine immunization, and the recent introduction of the rubella vaccine, with various partners expressing continued support through goodwill messages.
In conclusion, stakeholders in Nigeria have recommitted to ending polio transmission by December 2025, with significant emphasis on community engagement and support from traditional leaders. WHO remains a vital partner in strengthening health systems and addressing challenges in immunization coverage. The combined efforts of government, traditional leaders, and community influencers are crucial to achieving this goal, ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated against polio.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
