FG raises alarm over Polio Type 2 outbreak

By Chidinma Chukwu

Federal government has announced that no fewer than 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory have reported outbreak of the Circulating Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (CVDPV2).

Recall that Nigeria was certified Polio free barly eleven months ago by the African Regional Certification Commission (ARCC).

Speaking at the second Quarter Review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care(PHC) delivery, the Executive Director Nigeria Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Faisal Shuiab, said states like Abia, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Lagos, Niger, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara reported outbreak of the Circulating Vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2).

He said the continuous spread of this virus in these states not only have health implication but an indication that the WPV free status which Nigeria attained in August 2020 is under threat.

He said for Nigeria to maintain its Wild Polio Virus free status it must strive to ensure that it stop the transmission of the (CVDPV2) in communities.

Also Speaking, Sa’adu Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto noted that Nigeria is not out of the woods even though it is certified WPV free as cases of CVDPV2 continue to spread.

Abuabakar, who was represented by the Chairman, Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Immunization on PHC.

Samaila Muhammad Mera, stressed the need for continuous sensitisation of the Nigeria populace to embrace the vaccine.

He also stressed that testimonies of experiences from individuals will go a long way to address and counter negative messages on the disease and the safety of the vaccine.

UNICEF country Representative, Peter Hawkins, said nearly 2,000 children die daily as a result of low immunization, and urged Nigerian authorities to sustain routine immunization.