Strengthening Commitments to Eradicate Polio in Nigeria by December 2025

Nigeria’s stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ending polio by December 2025, with a focus on strengthening Primary Health Care systems. WHO supports these initiatives amid ongoing challenges in vaccination efforts. Traditional leaders are urged to increase community engagement to ensure all children are immunized against polio.

On February 27, 2025, stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nigeria’s government, reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating all forms of poliovirus by December 2025. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Country Representative, highlighted their focus on improving Primary Health Care (PHC) systems through innovative initiatives during a meeting with the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on PHC delivery in Abuja.

Professor Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, praised the NTLC for their sustained efforts in mobilizing community engagement for polio vaccination campaigns. He stressed the urgent need to eliminate circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) and encouraged traditional leaders to leverage their influence to boost community trust and participation in immunization efforts.

The WHO’s Dr. Mulombo acknowledged the challenges faced in 2024 but emphasized the opportunity for success in the current year. He assured the Nigerian government of WHO’s unwavering support, including the acceleration of the accreditation process for the Ibadan polio laboratory, which is crucial for detecting and reporting poliovirus cases.

Despite recent progress, Nigeria continues to report cases of cVPVD2. Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), identified persistent challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and security concerns. He emphasized the need for collective community engagement to ensure that no child remains unvaccinated in their pursuit of polio eradication.

In response, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, Emir of Argungu and NTLC chair, called for enhanced collaboration among traditional leaders, religious figures, and community influencers. He expressed urgency in addressing the suboptimal routine immunization performance in specific regions and vowed to implement tracking systems for unvaccinated children effectively.

The NTLC’s quarterly meetings are essential for evaluating Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts alongside routine immunization and maternal and child health. This recent gathering included discussions on updates to the polio program and immunization efforts, along with presentations regarding new health initiatives like the rubella vaccine.

The concerted efforts of stakeholders show a dedicated commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria by 2025. With the backing of the WHO and the active participation of traditional leaders, there is hope for overcoming existing challenges. By engaging communities effectively and addressing vaccine hesitancy, the nation can advance towards a polio-free future.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int