Nigeria is making strides in fighting poliovirus, particularly circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), through strategic vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas. Challenges like missed doses persist, but initiatives involving community mobilization and targeted local outbreak response strategies aim to close immunity gaps. The country is planning further vaccination efforts to ensure comprehensive coverage and protect all children from poliovirus.
In the Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, a four-year-old girl named Amina has faced challenges in receiving complete immunizations since birth, exposing her to poliovirus. Her mother noted that their absence during vaccination campaigns has contributed to missed doses, illustrating the obstacles Nigeria encounters in combating poliovirus and other preventable diseases, especially in conflict-affected regions.
Nigeria prioritizes the eradication of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). Despite extensive vaccination efforts targeting children under five, transmission of cVPV2 continues. Reports indicate that from January 2024 to March 10, 2025, the country confirmed 122 cases across 15 states. To counter this, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) is employing a Targeted Local Outbreak Response (TLR) strategy to close immunity gaps and disrupt virus transmission.
A recent vaccination campaign aimed at reaching 3.8 million children in seven high-burden states resulted in over 3.6 million children vaccinated with the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2). Nonetheless, challenges persist as some children remain unvaccinated due to caregiver noncompliance or absence during outreach efforts. Dr. Abdulkadir Usman Gana emphasized the need for improved social mobilization to address these issues and ensure comprehensive coverage.
The WHO coordinates a working group to effectively plan and monitor TLR campaigns, utilizing a data-driven approach to assess immunization strategies. Key parameters under evaluation include the risk status of local government areas (LGAs), population immunity levels, and logistical needs for vaccine distribution. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo praised this targeted strategy for facilitating effective responses against cVPV2.
Community mobilization is essential for the success of vaccination campaigns. WHO has trained over 18,727 health workers and deployed over 6,000 personnel to support logistical efforts in targeted areas. Local volunteers, such as Zayyanu Adamu, play a crucial role in educating communities on vaccine importance and addressing noncompliance.
To evaluate the effectiveness of immunization efforts, WHO supported Lot Quality Assurance Surveys (LQAS) that confirmed a 97% vaccination coverage in surveyed LGAs, indicating favorable campaign outcomes in most regions. Looking ahead, Nigeria plans another TLR phase beginning March 12, 2025, aiming to vaccinate 946,600 children across five states, underscoring a continued commitment to close immunity gaps and sustain progress against cVPV2.
Nigeria is actively working towards eliminating circulating variant poliovirus type 2 through targeted vaccination strategies and community engagement. Despite encountering challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and logistical issues, the collaboration between various health agencies and local communities is essential for achieving comprehensive immunization. Ongoing efforts, including further vaccination phases, reveal Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring every child is protected from poliovirus, aiming for a polio-free future.
Original Source: www.afro.who.int
