Last mile to end polio in Nigeria

Nigeria is closer than ever to ending polio. Since August 2016, there have been no cases reported in the country. Yet, obstacles persist on the road to zero.

But until all children everywhere are consistently immunized against polio, the threat exists. The work must continue until there is not a single child unvaccinated anywhere. Over 18,000 volunteers, mostly women, work in the frontlines with communities.

Traditional rulers, with the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, have played a key role in making this happen.

The collaboration with the traditional rulers in the north and the Sultan Foundation has helped UNICEF to engage more than 42,000 traditional leaders at the community level in Nigeria. This has helped the government and all key polio partners to push towards the last mile.

They have worked tirelessly to ensure polio teams reach every house in the community, while also helping families to understand, trust, and accept the vaccine.

The existing polio infrastructure — including supply chains, surveillance and laboratory systems, and social mobilization networks — can also help to improve routine immunization coverage in Nigeria.

“If you compare two 6-week old children, the unvaccinated child is twice as likely to die than the vaccinated child,” said Bill Gates in Sokoto, Nigeria. He has championed this cause globally and his unwavering commitment has been paramount for Nigeria.

“Polio eradication and routine immunization is being handled with utmost urgency by the government and we appreciate contributions of all partners,” said Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health, Government of Nigeria.

“By committing to eradicate polio, strengthen routine immunization, and building stronger primary healthcare systems, Nigeria can offer all girls and boys a better chance to survive,” said Mohamed M Fall, Representative of UNICEF Nigeria.

UNICEF is working closely together with key polio partners in Nigeria.

For every child, a fair chance