Nigeria has made remarkable progress in eradicating polio, with more than 90% of Nigerians now accepting and believing in the polio vaccine, according to Khadijat Yusuf, the district chairperson of Rotary Club’s Campaign Against Polio. This breakthrough was highlighted during a polio awareness walk in Abuja, held in honor of World Polio Day 2024 by Rotary Club Abuja District 9127.
Ms. Yusuf attributed the accomplishment to relentless efforts by health officials, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders who worked tirelessly to combat societal and cultural barriers in certain regions. In some remote areas, health officials encountered challenges in persuading parents to vaccinate their children. Despite these hurdles, a vast majority of Nigerians have embraced the polio vaccine, marking a substantial leap toward full eradication.
The awareness walk also underscored the need for continued vigilance. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Nigeria free of wild polio virus in August 2020, the threat of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) remains. This variant can emerge in under-immunized areas, posing a risk to unvaccinated children.
Rotary Club Abuja’s Governor, Mike Nwanoshiri, emphasized the event’s importance, noting that awareness campaigns encourage parents to vaccinate their children and safeguard them against polio. The sustained success of Nigeria’s polio campaign reflects the dedication of communities, traditional leaders, and healthcare workers.
Ms. Yusuf expressed gratitude to all campaign supporters who helped Nigeria come this far. However, as she noted, “The fight is far from done.” Continued efforts are essential to maintain polio-free status and protect the health of Nigerian children for generations to come.
