Nigeria has once again pledged its determination to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunisation, as global leaders convene for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Delivering the country’s message, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), spoke during a high-level panel session themed “Eradication & Beyond – Polio Infrastructure and Resilience” on Tuesday morning.
Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus in August 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO), a landmark achievement after decades of setbacks caused by insecurity, weak health systems, and vaccine hesitancy.
This milestone was made possible through sustained mass immunisation campaigns, strong community engagement, and collaboration between government, development partners, traditional leaders, and frontline health workers.
However, the country continues to face outbreaks of circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2)—a rare strain that emerges in under-immunised populations. Experts warn that low routine immunisation coverage remains the greatest threat to sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status.
Reassuring global partners, Dr. Aina reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to intensify its fight against cVPV2 and expand vaccine coverage nationwide.
“The Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. 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,” Aina said.
He noted that Nigeria’s participation at UNGA provides an opportunity to mobilise resources, strengthen partnerships, and showcase the country’s commitment to global health security.
Global Perspectives on Polio and Beyond
Health leaders at the UNGA emphasised that the global fight against polio is not just about eradication but also about resilience. They highlighted how the systems created to monitor and respond to polio outbreaks are now being repurposed to tackle other health challenges, including measles, cholera, and pandemic preparedness.
Former NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who led the final push against wild polio, previously warned that “the greatest threat to polio eradication is complacency.”
On the frontline, health workers echoed this sentiment. Mrs. Mariam Kabiru, a vaccinator from Kano State with over a decade of experience, said the renewed spotlight is encouraging.
“We have seen the damage polio can do to children. With government support and community trust, we can finish this fight,” she said.
As the UNGA progresses, more updates are expected on Nigeria’s role in health-related side events, including discussions on immunisation, pandemic preparedness, and sustainable health financing.
For now, Nigeria’s message to the global community is clear: the country remains committed not only to eradicating cVPV2 but also to building stronger, more resilient health systems where no child is left behind.
