By Oluyemi Israel
The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has reported a 46 percent drop in variant poliovirus cases compared to the previous year, with significant reductions in high-risk states like Kano and Katsina.
Dr. Muyi Aina, the agency’s Executive Director, emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating, “We don’t want to be caught unprepared.”
The announcement came during the Second Quarter 2025 review meeting held in Abuja, chaired by His Highness, Alhaji Sa’Maila Muhammad Mera, Emir of Argungu.
The meeting brought together traditional leaders from 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside officials from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF.
Officials stressed that vaccination remains crucial to prevent polio, a contagious disease primarily affecting children under five.
The Emir highlighted the vital role of traditional leaders, describing the fight against poliovirus as “a sacred duty we owe our people.”
They identified challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, insecurity, and false reporting, which threaten eradication efforts.
The data presented covered the period from April to June 2025, showing steady improvements in vaccination coverage.
The meeting took place in Abuja but focused on northern Nigerian states like Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, and Borno, as well as the Lake Chad region, where cross-border transmission poses ongoing risks.
NPHCDA’s success stems from community-based vaccination campaigns that build trust by involving traditional leaders in selecting vaccinators and combating fake finger-marking.
The Emir urged leaders to “redouble efforts to educate communities and encourage vaccination.” UNICEF and partners contributed to upgrading health facilities and deploying health workers to strengthen services.
Traditional leaders were also called upon to promote routine immunisation and secure safe access for vaccinators in insecure areas.