Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is grappling with a surge in cases of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), a worrisome trend that has raised concerns among health experts and prompted urgent calls for community action. This revelation was made by the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, during a strategic engagement with religious leaders in Abuja on Monday.
The meeting, organized by the NPHCDA in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, aimed to rally religious and community leaders to combat the increasing transmission of cVPV2, which has been steadily spreading across northern Nigeria.
The Alarming Surge in Cases
In his address, Dr. Aina disclosed that Nigeria has recorded 70 cases of cVPV2 across 46 local government areas in 14 northern states, signaling an alarming and ongoing transmission of the virus. “This rise in cases is a clear indication that we are facing an active threat,” he stated, emphasizing that the spread of the virus poses a significant risk to vulnerable communities, especially children under five years old.
Dr. Aina attributed the growing number of cases to low routine immunization rates and vaccine hesitancy, particularly during polio vaccination campaigns. He urged that immediate action is needed to reverse the trend and protect the nation’s children. “This must change,” Dr. Aina emphasized. “We must build a healthcare system that leaves no child behind. Every woman must have access to antenatal care, every pregnancy must be overseen by skilled midwives, and every child must complete their routine immunizations according to the national schedule.”
The Role of Religious Leaders in Fighting Polio
Dr. Aina called on religious leaders to use their influential positions to promote vaccination and strengthen maternal and child healthcare services within their communities. He stressed that religious leaders are uniquely positioned to dismantle barriers to healthcare access, foster trust between communities and healthcare providers, and dispel myths and misconceptions about vaccines.
“Your influence can save lives,” Dr. Aina passionately stated. “Religious leaders have the power to encourage families to welcome vaccination teams into their homes and to ensure that every child receives the protection they deserve.”
The Impact of Poor Immunization and Maternal Healthcare
The situation is further compounded by the challenges faced by families in rural and underserved areas of Northern Nigeria, where access to essential maternal and child health services remains a significant barrier. Dr. Aina revealed a grim reality, highlighting that Nigeria loses approximately 2,300 children under the age of five and 145 women of childbearing age every day, with most of these deaths occurring in the northern region. These startling figures underscore the critical need for improved healthcare services and comprehensive immunization programs.
“Many of these deaths are preventable,” Dr. Aina lamented. “Through immunization and adequate maternal care, we can drastically reduce these numbers and improve the health outcomes for women and children across Nigeria.”
A Call for Community Support and Involvement
Dr. Aina urged religious leaders to renew their commitment to supporting vaccination campaigns and promoting healthcare within their congregations. “We must work together to address the challenges facing our communities. We need to ensure that no mother or child is left behind,” he said. He emphasized the need for open discussions and collaborations to ensure the success of vaccination campaigns, especially in areas where healthcare services are limited.
Sultan of Sokoto’s Appeal for Collective Action
His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the pivotal role that religious and traditional leaders have historically played in public health initiatives. He acknowledged their contributions in the successful eradication of the Wild Polio Virus in Nigeria and urged them to remain steadfast in their efforts to tackle the resurgence of cVPV2.
“We have a responsibility to our communities to continue the fight against polio,” the Sultan said. He called on religious leaders to use their influence to encourage vaccination efforts and to actively engage in addressing the healthcare challenges facing their communities.
The Sultan also encouraged leaders to extend their charitable giving, through zakat (Islamic almsgiving) and tithes, to support healthcare initiatives for the less privileged, emphasizing that these contributions could make a significant impact in providing much-needed services to vulnerable populations.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Commitment
The engagement between the NPHCDA and religious leaders represents a crucial step in the fight against the spread of cVPV2. By leveraging the trust and influence religious leaders hold within their communities, health authorities hope to overcome vaccine hesitancy and increase immunization rates.
Dr. Aina reiterated the importance of collaboration, urging all stakeholders to take proactive measures in tackling the polio resurgence. “We must build a system that works for everyone, one that ensures no child is left unprotected,” he said.
The resurgence of cVPV2 in Nigeria serves as a reminder of the critical need for continued vigilance, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to public health efforts. With the combined efforts of the government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, and the wider community, Nigeria can overcome this challenge and safeguard the health and well-being of its children for generations to come.
