Nigeria's strides in the battle against polio face a setback as the type 2 poliovirus variant resurfaces. This worrisome revelation came to light during a gathering in Abuja, with top officials, international allies, and local leaders from the north in attendance. The meeting aimed to strengthen actions against the disease, especially in regions with inadequate vaccination rates.
Nigeria's battle against polio encounters a fresh hurdle as cases of the poliovirus type 2 variant surge. Despite successful eradication of wild polio in 2020, the resurgence of this variant emphasizes the crucial need for ongoing immunization efforts, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The WHO has expressed concerns over setbacks this year, stressing the importance of vigilance. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO's representative in Nigeria, highlighted challenges in halting the transmission of the variant, underscoring the necessity for persistent efforts to address these obstacles.
Muyi Aina from the Nigerian Primary Healthcare Development Agency acknowledged traditional leaders for their role in improving vaccination coverage, noting their positive impact in reaching more children in remote areas.
UNICEF's country representative, Cristian Munduate, highlighted the urgency of intensifying efforts against polio and stressed the significance of fortifying routine immunization systems to reach every child.
Munduate reaffirmed the dedication to improving primary healthcare services, aiming to have a fully operational primary healthcare worker in each ward.
The recent emergence of the poliovirus type 2 variant acts as a clear reminder of the persistent challenges in the battle against polio, emphasizing the crucial need for ongoing collaboration and sustained efforts to maintain progress towards eradicating this debilitating disease.
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