Polio, the virus that causes paralysis and is preventable by a simple vaccine, has made a troubling return to Nigeria. On September 23, 2024, during a meeting of religious leaders organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, it was revealed that the virus is once again spreading.
NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, disclosed that Nigeria is experiencing an intense transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). He reported that 70 cases of this rare virus, which occurs in vaccinated individuals, have been recorded across 46 local government areas in 14 northern states. Aina attributed the resurgence to “low routine immunisation and refusal of vaccines during polio campaigns.”
In a worrying development, Yobe State reported four new polio cases on September 29, just three years after the state was declared polio-free.
This is particularly concerning, as Nigeria had achieved polio-free status on June 18, 2020, and was officially declared free of the disease on August 25, 2020. The announcement marked a significant milestone for the country and the African continent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of the world’s polio cases. The journey to polio-free status was a long and costly battle, fought with the help of international partners and the Nigerian government, with billions of dollars spent and numerous vaccinators losing their lives in the line of duty due to insecurity.
Despite this achievement, vaccine-derived polio cases have continued to emerge. In 2021, Nigeria recorded 1,028 cases, followed by 170 in 2022. However, there have been some positive developments: in 2022, there was an 84% decline in variant type 2 poliovirus cases, from 415 cases in 2021 to 48 in 2022. Additionally, routine immunization (RI) coverage improved from 33% in 2016 to 57% in 2022.
To combat the spread of the virus, Nigerians, especially those in polio-prone areas, must adopt better personal hygiene practices, as the virus can spread through contaminated food and water. Comprehensive vaccination efforts must also be ramped up, with aggressive door-to-door immunization of children under five, alongside routine and supplementary vaccination campaigns.
Primary healthcare centres (PHCs), especially in rural communities, must be made fully functional to provide easy access to essential health services, including antenatal and postnatal care for mothers and children. Additionally, community volunteers should be activated to raise awareness about personal hygiene, child nutrition, and the importance of vaccination.
Religious and traditional leaders have a critical role to play. NPHCDA has called on these leaders to help dispel myths, correct misinformation, and encourage positive health-seeking behaviours. They can serve as spiritual guides and advocates, urging parents to participate in mass vaccination campaigns and protect their children from preventable diseases like polio.
Addressing underlying challenges that hinder polio eradication, such as poor healthcare access, conflicts, insecurity, and misinformation, is also essential. Immunization efforts must not wane, and complacency must be avoided. As long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere.
With the right support, political will, and community engagement, Nigeria can regain its polio-free status. The resurgence of polio must be swiftly addressed, and all levels of government must take urgent action to ensure that the virus is eradicated once and for all. No excuses are acceptable in this fight.
