Nigeria is focused on eradicating polio transmission by December 2025, backed by WHO’s support for enhancing health initiatives and Primary Health Care. Traditional leaders are urged to mobilize communities for vaccination efforts and counter challenges like vaccine hesitancy. The NTLC’s ongoing meetings are pivotal for reviewing progress and strategizing responses to ensure all children receive necessary vaccinations.
Stakeholders in Nigeria are intensifying their commitment to eradicating polio transmission by December 2025, as reaffirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). At the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) First Quarter Review Meet in Abuja, WHO’s Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, emphasized ongoing support for strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) and novel health initiatives aimed at eliminating all polioviruses.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, recognized the crucial efforts of traditional leaders in promoting community mobilization for vaccination campaigns. He urged them to continue their dedication and focus on eliminating the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) through enhanced community trust and participation in immunization.
Dr. Mulombo reinforced that 2024 was challenging for Nigeria’s polio program but stressed the urgency to act decisively against cVPV2. He acknowledged the government’s commitment and highlighted plans to expedite the accreditation process of the Ibadan polio laboratory, which is an essential facility for detecting and reporting poliovirus cases.
Despite advancements, Nigeria continues to report cVPVD2 cases. Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), identified persistent challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and noncompliance that impact vaccination efforts, urging NTLC to boost community engagement for polio elimination.
Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammad Mera, the NTLC chair, encouraged traditional leaders to collaborate with community influencers to enhance vaccination rates. He expressed concern about low immunization performance in some regions and emphasized the importance of tracking unvaccinated children. Recognizing strategic shifts towards greater accountability and improved data integration, he called for active participation in immunization planning.
The NTLC’s quarterly meetings are critical for assessing polio eradication efforts and discussing maternal and child health initiatives. Recent discussions covered the progress of Nigeria’s polio program, updates on maternal health, and the introduction of the rubella vaccine. The meetings serve as an essential platform for maintaining momentum in polio eradication efforts.
Efforts to eradicate polio in Nigeria are gaining renewed momentum with commitments from WHO and traditional leaders. There is a clear emphasis on addressing community engagement, improving vaccination coverage, and tackling existing health challenges to meet the eradication deadline of December 2025. Collective efforts among stakeholders remain vital for success in this public health mission.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
