The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed that Nigeria has encountered 51 new instances of the Circulating Variant Polio Virus (cVPV2) between January and August 13 this year.
Notably, the North-West zone is experiencing a substantial impact, accounting for 92 percent of these new cases.
The outbreak spans 15 local government areas, with 47 of these cases originating in states within the North-West zone. However, this region is grappling with security challenges, which are causing significant concerns for stakeholders within the health sector.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, the WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, conveyed these findings during a strategic gathering in Kaduna State.
The meeting was organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation, focusing on leaders of remote communities in the North-West zone.
The objective was to reinforce collaboration among key stakeholders in the region to enhance access to primary healthcare services.
Mulombo highlighted that out of the 51 polio cases, 47 emerged from the North-West region. He noted that these outbreaks are predominantly concentrated in states facing security challenges, hindering the nation’s progress toward universal health coverage.
The prolonged security challenges in the North-West, exacerbated by banditry and kidnappings, have severely disrupted an already fragile healthcare system. This situation has impeded effective health service delivery, including routine immunizations for children.
Prominent figures present at the event included Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State; Alhaji Saad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto; Dr. Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency; as well as representatives from WHO and UNICEF.
Mulombo expressed concern about the impact of insecurity on healthcare access, particularly affecting maternal and infant mortality rates in the North-West zone.
The Sultan of Sokoto lamented the lack of implementation of health sector strategies by policymakers.
While both states and the traditional institution are expected to play essential roles in advancing universal health coverage, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency affirmed their unwavering commitment to making Nigeria polio-free, despite the challenges.