Nigeria’s stakeholders, including the WHO, are dedicated to eradicating polio by December 2025, with an emphasis on strengthening Primary Health Care. The government’s commitment to community engagement and addressing health system challenges is crucial for mobilizing vaccination efforts. Regular meetings amongst traditional leaders and health officials facilitate progress tracking and strategizing in the fight against polio.
Stakeholders in Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate polio transmission by December 2025. The World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged support to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) in Nigeria, assisting with innovative initiatives aimed at overcoming existing health system challenges. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative, spoke during the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) First Quarter Review Meeting in Abuja.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, praised traditional leaders for their ongoing mobilization efforts and oversight during polio vaccination campaigns. He stressed the necessity of eliminating circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) and urged leaders to intensify their efforts to enhance community engagement in immunization endeavors.
Dr. Pate highlighted the historical importance of the NTLC, acknowledging their unwavering commitment over 16 consecutive years to convene quarterly meetings. His emphasis on leveraging traditional leadership to foster community trust is critical for the ongoing fight against polio in Nigeria. Dr. Mulombo reaffirmed WHO’s support, emphasizing the urgency of action, particularly following the challenges faced in Nigeria’s polio program in 2024.
The WHO Country Representative also promised timely support in accelerating the accreditation process for the Ibadan polio laboratory, which has now received full accreditation to conduct essential poliovirus sequencing. This laboratory has been pivotal in detecting and identifying various polioviruses since its establishment in 1993.
Despite significant progress, Nigeria continues to confront challenges associated with cVPVD2 cases. Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), identified issues such as vaccine hesitancy and routine immunization gaps that hinder efforts toward complete eradication. He called for enhanced community engagement to ensure vaccination is accessible to every child.
Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, the Emir of Argungu and NTLC chair, expressed appreciation for governmental and partner assistance. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, he encouraged traditional leaders to partner with religious and community influencers to bolster vaccination efforts, especially in regions with low immunization rates.
The NTLC meeting served as an important venue for assessing Nigeria’s polio eradication progress and addressing broader primary healthcare issues. Participants discussed various health topics, including the introduction of the rubella vaccine, underscoring the importance of synchronized campaign strategies and improved data management.
The collaborative efforts among Nigerian stakeholders, including the WHO and traditional leaders, aim to eradicate polio by December 2025. The commitment to strengthen Primary Health Care and community engagement is vital for overcoming existing health challenges. Continuous advocacy and localized efforts will be pivotal in ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated, and the overall public health framework is enhanced.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
