• About Us
    • Àtẹ́lẹwọ́ Podcast
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
Freelanews
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
    • Crime
  • Business
  • Brands
  • Banking
  • Opinion
  • Interview
  • Entertainment
  • Podcast
    • Àtẹ́lẹwọ́
  • Sports
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Crime
  • Business
  • Brands
  • Banking
  • Opinion
  • Interview
  • Entertainment
  • Podcast
    • Àtẹ́lẹwọ́
  • Sports
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
Freelanews
No Result
View All Result
Home General

Nigeria faces polio challenge as vaccination rates decline

Quadri Olaitan by Quadri Olaitan
October 25, 2024
in General
0
Nigeria polio vaccination rates

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.

 

Also read: Lassa fever vaccine could save over 3,000 lives — Study

 

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.

Quadri Olaitan
Quadri Olaitan

Related Posts

WhatsApp Image 2021 08 03 at 5.21.13 PM
General

‘Rejected!’ Court turns down suit to stop Abba Kyari’s extradition

by Freelanews
August 20, 2021
D852FA20 2AB4 45EA BD1A FEE8099470A7 scaled 1 scaled
General

‘I’m innocent!’ Accused Iniubong Umoren murderer, Uduak Akpan, denies initial claim, pleads not guilty

by Freelanews
November 6, 2021
Tinubu and David Hundeyin
General

Ebola Tinubu acted unilaterally, David Hundeyin tells Nigériens

by Rtn. Victor Ojelabi
August 4, 2023
Hoodlums raze residence of Imo Assembly candidate
General

Hoodlums raze residence of Imo Assembly candidate

by Oreoluwa Ojelabi
March 8, 2023
babd
General

Kidnappers in Army uniform release footage of victims in Akoko-Edo LGA forests (video)

by Oreoluwa Ojelabi
January 17, 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ADVERTISEMENT

Recent News

Omoge Saida

Omoge Saida sparks Nigerian social media over leaked video

October 28, 2025
WAEC 2025

WAEC dismisses 2026 subject restriction reports

October 28, 2025
Ondo road

Ondo road construction boosts state development

October 28, 2025
Stacks of British currency notes, including £100 and £50 bills, held in a person's hand, symbolising wealth, financial success, or cash flow.

Naira appreciation boosts investor confidence

October 28, 2025

Search

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Political persecution in Ogun State

Political persecution in Ogun State: Abiodun moves against Otunba Gbenga Daniel with demolition threats again

August 9, 2025
APC Second-Term Governors

APC: Second-term governors seeking immediate elective post to lose party leadership

October 15, 2025
April Wind Couture

April Wind Couture thrives in Nigeria’s tough economy with bold Ankara vision

September 12, 2025
Abdul-Muiz Olanrewaju Animashaun

Abdul-Muiz Olanrewaju Animashaun remembered with love

September 14, 2025
amoke

‘Meals by Amoke’ We serve traditional dishes in a modern way, Bukoye Fasola reveals

19
Image 2024 03 26 at 120645 AM jpeg

Charles Inojie, Ali Nuhu call on communities to #MakeWeHalla against domestic violence

11
Meran Primary Health Centre Lagos father Meran hospital

Lagos father shares heartbreaking experience at Meran Primary Health Centre (Photos)

4
fls2

‘Disarticulated system’ Gov’t confused about Nigerian education, expert laments

3
Omoge Saida

Omoge Saida sparks Nigerian social media over leaked video

October 28, 2025
WAEC 2025

WAEC dismisses 2026 subject restriction reports

October 28, 2025
Ondo road

Ondo road construction boosts state development

October 28, 2025
Stacks of British currency notes, including £100 and £50 bills, held in a person's hand, symbolising wealth, financial success, or cash flow.

Naira appreciation boosts investor confidence

October 28, 2025
October 2025
SMTWTFS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
« Sep    
Freelanews

Freelanews is a Nigerian digital news platform that delivers timely, credible, and engaging stories across politics, business, entertainment, lifestyle, and the creative industry, with a strong focus on promoting innovation, integrity, and inclusivity in storytelling.

Hot!

Omoge Saida

Omoge Saida sparks Nigerian social media over leaked video

October 28, 2025
WAEC 2025

WAEC dismisses 2026 subject restriction reports

October 28, 2025
No Result
View All Result
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertisement
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Freelanews | by Iretura.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Crime
  • Business
  • Brands
  • Banking
  • Opinion
  • Interview
  • Entertainment
  • Podcast
    • Àtẹ́lẹwọ́
  • Sports
  • Events

© 2025 Freelanews | by Iretura.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.