The WHO and UNICEF highlight under-vaccinated children as a key factor in Nigeria’s rising poliovirus cases, urging increased vaccination efforts.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have identified a significant issue contributing to the resurgence of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) in Nigeria—under-vaccinated children in communities.

This alarming trend has resulted in 83 reported cases across 14 states, prompting urgent calls for enhanced vaccination initiatives.

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Dr Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), revealed these findings during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, coinciding with the observance of World Polio Day, themed

“A chance for reflection and a reminder to reach every child.” This annual event, commemorated on October 24, aims to raise awareness and resources to eradicate polio globally.

Nigeria achieved a remarkable milestone in August 2020 when it was declared free of the Wild Polio Virus (WPV), culminating in a wild polio-free African region.

However, Dr Aina highlighted that the country has struggled with the cVPV2 variant since 2021, as it has mutated and begun spreading within communities.

“Although Nigeria has recorded a 38 per cent decrease in cVPV2 cases from 2023 to 2024, we still have much work to do to completely halt its transmission,”

Aina stated. He reported that, as of October 18, 2024, 64 of the 83 recorded cases were Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) cases, while 19 were identified in environmental samples.

To combat this pressing challenge, the NPHCDA has launched the “Identify, Enumerate and Vaccinate” strategy in 109 high-risk wards.

This initiative has successfully digitally enumerated over 907,000 children under five years old, with 793,075 of these children having received vaccinations.

Aina noted that 67 per cent of previously unreached children across 14 states have been vaccinated this year, though efforts must continue to reach all children.

Dr Walter Mulombo, WHO’s Country Representative to Nigeria, underscored the difficulties in achieving comprehensive vaccination coverage due to factors like violence, concealment, and climate emergencies. He emphasised that as long as polio exists anywhere, all countries remain at risk.

“This year’s World Polio Day not only celebrates progress but also calls for renewed commitment to eradicate polio,” Mulombo remarked.

He reiterated that the persistence of polio is due to the failure to vaccinate un- or under-vaccinated children in communities, urging increased community commitment to vaccination efforts.

UNICEF’s Health Manager for Immunisation, Dr Shaikh Kabir, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of a holistic approach to health systems strengthening and routine immunisation.

“We cannot limit our focus to polio vaccinations alone; we must ensure every child receives essential immunisations,” he stated.

Dr Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, highlighted the concerning statistics in Borno State, where only 28.5 per cent of children are fully vaccinated against polio.

“We need at least 85 per cent vaccination coverage, but currently, only about 28 per cent of children are immunised in Borno,” she said.

To bolster the vaccination campaign, UNICEF recently launched a song titled “No More Zero-Dose,” featuring popular Nigerian artists.

The aim of the song is to raise awareness about the need for vaccination against polio, measles, and other life-threatening diseases, particularly in the Northeast region.

Meanwhile, the WHO has praised the Osun State government’s successful efforts to maintain a polio-free status. Dr Oluwatoyin Ojediran, WHO Coordinator for Osun State, emphasised the importance of robust surveillance systems and quality vaccination campaigns to sustain this achievement.

The Commissioner for Health in Osun State, Mr Jola Akinola, reinforced the necessity of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance as a critical component of the polio eradication strategy.

He urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to achieving a polio-free world, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to protect children from this debilitating disease.

As Nigeria navigates these challenges, the call for community engagement and increased vaccination coverage remains paramount in the fight against polio and other preventable diseases.