Bridging Immunity Gaps: Nigeria’s Fight Against Poliovirus in High-Risk Communities

Nigeria is intensifying efforts to combat circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) through targeted immunization campaigns in high-risk areas. Despite challenges such as caregiver noncompliance and vaccine hesitancy, recent vaccination initiatives have reached millions of children and yielded promising coverage rates. The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and WHO are collaborating to bridge immunity gaps and maintain progress against poliovirus transmission, with further campaigns planned for the future.

In the Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria, a four-year-old girl named Amina has struggled with receiving adequate immunization against poliovirus. Despite her mother, Saratu Bulama, making efforts to attend vaccination campaigns, Amina has missed several essential doses, exemplifying the ongoing difficulties in combating poliovirus in difficult-to-reach and conflict-affected regions of the country.

A key priority for Nigeria is the eradication of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). Recent reports indicate 122 confirmed cases of cVPV2 across 15 states, with a focus on immunizing every child under five years. The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, in conjunction with the National Emergency Operations Centre, has implemented the Targeted Local Outbreak Response (TLR) strategy, aiming to vaccinate vulnerable children in high-risk areas and halt virus propagation.

In a targeted campaign, 3.8 million children in seven high-burden states received the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). Although the campaign successfully vaccinated over 3.6 million children, challenges remained such as caregiver noncompliance. Dr. Abdulkadir Usman Gana of NEOC emphasized the importance of enhancing community mobilization and outreach to prevent missed vaccinations, stating, “While it is encouraging to see the high number of children reached, we must intensify social mobilization and refine our strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and missed children.”

The NEOC operations, supported by WHO, adopt a comprehensive, data-driven approach to TLR campaigns. Evaluating various parameters, such as population immunity levels and recent cVPV2 cases, assists in shaping targeted interventions. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, acknowledged this focused tactic, asserting, “The targeted nature of TLR allows for better supervision and high-quality execution. We have a critical opportunity to turn the tide against cVPV2, and now is the time to act decisively.”

Community involvement is instrumental in these campaigns. WHO has played a vital role in training health workers and coordinating vaccination efforts across states. Dr. Yusuf Muhammad Argungu, WHO State Coordinator, detailed the extensive support provided, including the logistics of vaccination teams. Volunteers like Zayyanu Adamu engage locals to facilitate dialogue about vaccine importance, overcoming instances of noncompliance and ensuring child participation.

To assess the efficacy of vaccination initiatives, Lot Quality Assurance Surveys (LQAS) have been conducted. These surveys confirmed promising results, with 97% of surveyed Local Government Areas reporting over 90% vaccination coverage, highlighting the success of the campaign.

Looking forward, Nigeria is preparing for another TLR operation starting in March 2025, targeting over 946,600 children in five states. This effort aims not only to close existing immunity gaps but also to maintain progress against cVPV2. Despite facing hurdles such as vaccine hesitancy, the ongoing collaboration between health authorities and local communities reflects Nigeria’s dedication to eradicating poliovirus and advancing towards a polio-free future.

In conclusion, Nigeria faces significant challenges in addressing poliovirus transmission, particularly in vulnerable communities. The implementation of the Targeted Local Outbreak Response strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to vaccinating every child. As Nigeria prepares for continued efforts to immunize children against cVPV2, community engagement and data-driven insights will be critical to overcoming obstacles and achieving a polio-free nation.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int