Health experts have issued renewed calls for a collective action to end the spread of the poliovirus in Nigeria warning that variant strains continue to paralyse children despite significant efforts and investments in eradication.
The call came during a media dialogue on polio organised in Kaduna where stakeholders from the health sector, civil society and media gathered to review progress and re-strategise toward ending polio transmission by the end of 2025.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Idris Baba, Officer in Charge of the UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, emphasised that Nigeria cannot afford to lose momentum now.
As of week 19, 25 new cVPV2 cases have already been confirmed in 2025, with most cases still concentrated in the North and one in Oyo state, while a recent type 3 poliovirus detection in Yobe has heightened concerns about waning immunity.
Baba attributed the persistent circulation of the virus to low immunisation coverage, particularly in high-burden states like Kaduna where the 2023 demographic and health survey revealed a high percentage of zero-dose children – those who have never received any vaccine.
The world body therefore urged LGA leaders to release their counterpart funding on time for the June round and to personally lead the campaigns in their local governments.
Meanwhile, participants at the retreat agreed that strong media engagement remains crucial as more than 400 positive stories were generated during the April campaign across Northern Nigeria, helping counter vaccine hesitancy and misinformation by promoting stories of parental acceptance and local success.