Strengthening Commitments to End Polio Transmission in Nigeria by 2025

Stakeholders in Nigeria, including the WHO, have reasserted their commitment to eradicating poliovirus by December 2025. Prof. Muhammad Pate and Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo highlighted the urgency of eliminating cVPV2, while traditional leaders were called upon to enhance community vaccination efforts. The NTLC’s meetings remain critical for addressing challenges in public health and polio prevention initiatives.

Nigeria’s commitment to eradicating all forms of poliovirus by December 2025 has gained momentum as stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), convene to bolster Primary Health Care (PHC). Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO’s Country Representative in Nigeria, emphasized the significance of innovative approaches at the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee’s recent meeting.

Commending traditional leaders for their ongoing efforts to mobilize community support and oversee vaccination campaigns, Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, underscored the crucial need to eliminate the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). He called on leaders to utilize their influence to enhance public trust in immunization initiatives.

Dr. Mulombo reinforced WHO’s support, highlighting the urgency of responding to challenges despite geopolitical complexities. He noted the firm commitment from Nigerian leadership and traditional authorities in the ongoing fight against polio, while announcing full accreditation for the Ibadan polio laboratory, which plays an essential role in detecting and reporting polioviruses.

While acknowledging some progress, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, raised concerns regarding ongoing cases of cVPV2. He emphasized the need for community engagement to address issues like vaccine hesitancy, security concerns, and inadequate routine immunization coverage.

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, as chair of the NTLC, emphasized the importance of collaboration among traditional leaders, religious figures, and community influencers to promote vaccination demands. He called for enhanced tracking of newborns and missed vaccinations, insisting that every child must receive essential vaccines.

The NTLC’s quarterly meetings serve as a crucial platform for assessing Nigeria’s polio eradication strategies, addressing challenges in routine immunization, and boosting maternal and child health initiatives. Key topics discussed included updates on vaccination programs and introductions of new vaccines while emphasizing the importance of accountability and data integration in campaign efforts.

Stakeholder commitments to eradicate poliovirus in Nigeria by December 2025 have been invigorated, reflecting a unified effort to strengthen healthcare initiatives. High-level discussions highlight the essential roles of traditional leaders and governmental agencies in improving community engagement to ensure every child’s vaccination. Effective strategies and collaborative approaches are crucial to overcoming the barriers that hinder polio eradication efforts.

Original Source: www.afro.who.int