Nigeria has renewed its pledge to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunisation as world leaders gather for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), gave the assurance on Tuesday during a high-level panel session titled “Eradication & Beyond – Polio Infrastructure and Resilience.”
Aina reaffirmed that the Nigerian government is determined to interrupt polio virus transmission and boost vaccine coverage nationwide.
“The federal government remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases,” he said.
“Our polio infrastructure, built through years of collective effort, will continue to be leveraged not only for polio eradication but also to strengthen our health system and build resilience against future public health threats.”
He added that Nigeria’s participation at UNGA offers opportunities to mobilise resources, deepen partnerships, and highlight the country’s role in global health security.
Tough to Eradicate Polio
Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in August 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO), following years of mass immunization campaigns, surveillance, and community engagement.
The country had once been regarded as one of the most difficult places on earth to eliminate the disease due to insecurity, weak health systems, and resistance in hard-to-reach communities.
Despite this milestone, outbreaks of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) remain a challenge, largely driven by gaps in routine immunisation coverage.
