Polio eradication has been at the forefront of global public health concerns. According to WHO Country Representative Dr Walter Mulombo, at a press conference at the end of a tour to commemorate World Polio Day in Maiduguri, Nigeria has recorded a decline of over 38% in circulating poliovirus type 2 cases between 2023 and 2024.
This significant decline is a testament to the remarkable efforts made by the government and its partners to interrupt the cVPV2 outbreak. However, the country representative stressed that the reason why the polio virus persists is the lack of immunization of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children in the communities.
He therefore made a strong call for increased community engagement to ensure that children are vaccinated. Indeed, the global spread of cVPV2 underscores that as long as polio exists anywhere, all countries remain at risk.
Despite the progress made, it is essential to sustain efforts to eradicate polio once and for all. Challenges remain, particularly in areas of conflict and fragility where access to vaccines is hampered by violence, vaccine refusal, and climate emergencies.
On this day of commemoration of World Polio Day, it is important to celebrate the successes achieved while renewing our support and commitment at all levels to complete this crucial fight. Volunteers, community workers, religious and traditional leaders, and all those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against polio deserve to be honored and recognized.
Ultimately, international cooperation and community involvement are essential to achieve the ultimate goal of total polio eradication. It is by joining forces that we can ensure a future without this devastating disease.