GPEI Delegation Visits Nigeria to Strengthen Commitment Against Polio
On February 27-28, 2025, a high-level delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative visited Nigeria to bolster efforts against type 2 variant poliovirus. Led by Dr. Chris Elias, the delegation engaged with government and traditional leaders to reinforce commitments to eliminate polio, addressing challenges such as insecurity and misinformation while promoting increased support and accountability in vaccination efforts.
A high-level delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) visited Abuja, Nigeria, on February 27-28, 2025, to support Nigeria’s efforts in eliminating type 2 variant poliovirus. The delegation, led by Dr. Chris Elias of the Polio Oversight Board (POB), engaged with government officials and traditional leaders to enhance commitments toward polio eradication. Key discussions centered around challenges such as insecurity and vaccine misinformation, as well as mobilizing additional support for the initiative.
The POB delegation, which included experts from WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International, met with Nigeria’s leadership to emphasize the necessity for strengthened country leadership. They discussed the critical actions required to eradicate polio and addressed the ongoing transmission of the poliovirus. During these meetings, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health, underscored the importance of renewed dedication to immunization efforts across the nation.
The delegation also consulted with representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and assessed the current epidemiology of poliovirus in Nigeria. Notably, they reviewed recommendations from the 42nd Expert Review Committee (ERC), which advocated for increased political leadership and robust accountability measures. These recommendations called for improving surveillance and campaign quality to enhance vaccine coverage and break transmission chains effectively.
As of mid-February 2025, Nigeria reported 94 confirmed polio cases across 15 states in 2024, with no new cases detected in 2025 thus far. The POB underscored the importance of commitment from all stakeholders to cease the virus’s spread, especially as elevated routine immunization levels are crucial for controlling the variant poliovirus effectively. Efforts to consolidate responses at both state and federal levels were highlighted as paramount for achieving rapid progress in polio eradication.
Furthermore, the GPEI aims to bolster polio outbreak responses and routine immunization efforts, ensuring that children in Nigeria receive adequate protection against the disease. Engaging traditional leaders and government officials in concerted action represents a significant step toward eliminating polio transmission in the affected regions. The visit emphasized rapid, coordinated progress as essential to protecting the health of Nigerian children.
The high-level delegation from GPEI’s visit to Nigeria highlighted the ongoing commitment to eradicating type 2 variant poliovirus. It underscored the need for renewed leadership and collaboration among government officials and traditional leaders. The discussions focused on addressing challenges and enhancing immunization strategies while emphasizing the vital role of all stakeholders. The recommendations provided by experts will guide efforts towards improving vaccination coverage and ultimately securing a polio-free future for Nigeria.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
