As we commemorate World Polio Day 2024, we reflect on the ongoing challenges and successes in the battle against polio, particularly in Nigeria. While Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus (WPV) in 2020, the nation continues to confront outbreaks of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). The surge in cVPV2 cases—rising from 22 cases in 7 states in 2020 to a staggering 1,028 cases across 31 states in 2021—highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to eliminate this persistent threat.
This rise reveals gaps in immunization coverage and underscores the need for effective outreach to vulnerable populations, especially in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas.
SCIDaR has played a pivotal role in re-dedicating resources to combat cVPV2 outbreaks and improve immunization coverage by providing technical assistance to national and regional health systems. Our efforts empower these systems to strengthen surveillance and enhance the quality of vaccination campaigns nationwide.
We coordinate and support vaccination campaigns across all 36 states of Nigeria to ensure widespread immunization through our innovative strategies. Reaching Every Settlement (RES) focuses on utilizing local residents as vaccinators, supported by vigilantes and civilian joint task forces to provide security.
This approach ensures that even children in remote and conflict-affected areas receive their vaccinations.
Reaching Inaccessible Children (RIC): In collaboration with military forces, RIC ensures that vaccination teams can reach children in hard-to-reach regions, facilitating effective immunization efforts.
By leveraging digital tools to optimize logistics and coordination, we ensure that health workers are supported effectively and efficiently.
In the 2023 vaccination campaigns, over 10 million children were immunized across Nigeria, significantly contributing to interrupting the transmission of cVPV2.
The implementation of digital payment systems for health workers has improved the timeliness and completeness of payments, fostering greater commitment among healthcare personnel involved in vaccination efforts.
SCIDaR’s support for local vaccinators through the RES program has increased the number of community immunizations, effectively reaching previously overlooked populations. Enhanced surveillance and data management have led to improved decision-making, enabling rapid responses to emerging outbreaks.
It is crucial to recognize the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the fight against polio. SCIDaR remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria and supporting the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. We advocate for sustained investment in health programs to ensure Nigeria remains resilient against polio and other emerging health threats.
Together, we can achieve a polio-free future.
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