The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to eradicating polio, In a press conference held to mark the 2024 World Polio Day on Thursday.
Joined by development partners and key stakeholders, Dr. Aina expressed gratitude to healthcare workers for their tireless efforts in combating the Wild Polio Virus (WPV) and highlighted the importance of ongoing vaccination to stop the spread of the Circulating Variant Polio Virus Type 2 (cVDPV2).
Dr. Aina acknowledged the significant progress made in Nigeria’s fight against polio, with the country having eradicated the WPV in recent years.
However, he stressed that several challenges still hinder the country’s polio eradication efforts.
These challenges include misinformation about vaccines, hesitancy from certain populations to accept vaccinations and limited access to healthcare services in remote areas.
Addressing these issues, Dr. Aina called for greater collaboration from all sectors of society.
“We have made great strides in eradicating polio, but we must not be complacent. Misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and access to healthcare in hard-to-reach areas continue to pose significant challenges. It is essential that we come together government, traditional and religious leaders, community-based organizations, and the media to tackle these obstacles. We must intensify our efforts and work as one to ensure a polio-free Nigeria,” Dr. Aina urged.
In conjunction with the press conference, Dr. Aina participated in a symbolic immunization ceremony organized by the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation in Abuja.
This event, attended by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, served to underscore the importance of sustaining immunization efforts across the country.
The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the need to protect children from preventable diseases such as polio, emphasizing that vaccination is crucial for safeguarding future generations.
During the event, Dr. Aina also took the opportunity to recognize the unwavering support of donors and development partners, whose contributions have played a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s vaccination programs.
He highlighted that the efforts and resources provided by these organizations have enabled the country to make substantial progress in its fight against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The press conference and immunization ceremony were part of a broader effort to remind parents and caregivers of their responsibility to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Dr. Aina called on all Nigerians to prioritize immunization as a critical tool in stopping the spread of polio and ensuring that the virus does not return to Nigerian soil.
As World Polio Day 2024 was commemorated across the globe, Nigeria’s health authorities and partners reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a polio-free future for all children in the country.
