Nomadic movement, insecurity hindering polio eradication in Nigeria – UNICEF
Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has identified nomadic movement, insecurity and low routine immunization coverage as factors hindering polio eradication in Nigeria.
Dr. Shamina Sharmin, Chief of Health, UNICEF Sokoto Field Office said this in Bauchi on Thursday while speaking during the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee meeting to review the activities of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The meeting was attended by the leader of the Committee, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’adu Abubakar III, the host, Emir of Bauchi, Alh. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu and other traditional leaders from the 19 Northern states.
Speaking on polio eradication, the UNICEF Chief of Health said that the traditional leaders have played important roles in the fight against polio in Nigeria. “I applaud our Royal fathers, for being a significant part of writing the unique story of Nigeria in the fight to eradicate the Wild Polio Virus,” she said.
She submitted that the vital role that traditional leaders play in the polio response, routine immunization and primary health cannot be underestimated especially when it comes to raising awareness and encouraging the use of healthcare services, which is especially important for vulnerable populations like women and children.
“We are now at the final stretch in Nigeria and globally. As of the latest update, there have been 100 reported circulating polio virus in Nigeria in 2024, a 32 percent decrease compared to the same period last year,” she added.
“If we map transmission, we find that the fight against the virus faces unique challenges due to nomadic movements, insecurity, and low routine immunization coverage.”
She further stated that nomadic populations, characterized by frequent movement and limited access to healthcare services, pose a challenge to polio eradication efforts. According to her, strategies to reach and vaccinate these populations are essential for interrupting transmission.
Insecurity, particularly in conflict-affected regions, disrupts vaccination campaigns and compromises the ability to reach vulnerable populations. Addressing security challenges is crucial for ensuring the delivery of vaccination services, she said.
