Recently, a major outbreak of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) has been documented in Nigeria, mostly in the northern areas, according to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). 70 cases of cVPV2 have been found in 46 local government areas in 14 northern states, according to information provided by Muyi Aina, the executive director of the NPHCDA, during a meeting with religious leaders in Abuja. A major contributing factor to the increase in incidence is low vaccination rates and vaccine refusals during polio campaigns.
Aina emphasized the significance of making certain that every pregnant woman has access to prenatal care, that all pregnancies are managed by qualified midwives, and that all children receive their recommended vaccination schedule. To promote vaccination, debunk myths, and mobilize communities in support of better maternal and child health, he highlighted the importance of religious leaders in these efforts. Aina also emphasized the difficulties and restricted access to healthcare in remote northern areas. Notoriety-grabbing data indicates that over 2,300 infants under five and 145 reproductive age women pass away in Nigeria every day, with the majority of these deaths taking place in the country’s north.
cVPV2 also spreads via the fecal-oral pathway.
OPV, or oral polio vaccination, uses a weakened strain of poliovirus known as circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). The OPV is a highly successful vaccine for children, but in certain cases, the virus can mutate into a form that is comparable to the wild poliovirus and spread to communities that are not fully protected. Mostly in places with inadequate Sanitation and hygiene, cVPV2 spreads via the fecal-oral pathway. Due to low routine vaccination rates, a sizable population is left susceptible to the virus, which is linked to the cVPV2 Epidemic in Nigeria.
Misinformation, religious skepticism, and suspicion of government initiatives have contributed to vaccine refusals, which have made matters worse. The refusal of polio immunizations in some areas has been attributed to long-lasting rumours concerning the efficacy and safety of vaccinations. In August 2020, following decades of rigorous vaccination campaigns, Nigeria was proclaimed free of the wild poliovirus, demonstrating great achievement in the fight against the disease. The government’s partnership with international organizations such as United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was a major factor in this achievement.
Religious leaders have been instrumental in raising immunization rates.
Throughout the nation, community health workers were placed in the northern states where polio remained widespread. But there were setbacks as a result of cVPV2 and vaccine reluctance brought on by false information. Numerous projects are in existence or in development to address the current outbreak and enhance access to healthcare. Targeted vaccination initiatives have been started by the government in high-risk areas; these efforts are frequently carried out in conjunction with influential members of the community and religious leaders. Through the “Primary Health Care Under One Roof” initiative, which aims to improve service delivery and Infrastructure in rural regions, the NPHCDA is also working with international partners to strengthen routine immunization.
To make sure that no child is overlooked, outreach initiatives and mobile health clinics are also being extended to reach isolated and underprivileged communities. In Nigeria, religious leaders have been instrumental in raising immunization rates, especially in regions where their influence is most pronounced. For instance, in Kano State, the public endorsement of polio vaccination efforts by the Sultan of Sokoto and the Emir of Kano helped to debunk falsehoods and promote community involvement. The immunization rate significantly increased as a result of these leaders’ engagement, who emphasized the value of vaccination for children’s health during Friday sermons and community events.
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Health professionals, such as Borno State midwife Fatima Dogo, have also told tales of overcoming family opposition to vaccination by collaborating closely with local religious authorities to inform parents of the shots’ advantages. “At first, many mothers refused to vaccinate their children, but when the imam told them it was safe and important, they listened,” said Dogo. Nigeria will be able to increase immunization rates and get closer to eliminating cVPV2 if it takes advantage of these cooperative efforts among medical professionals, religious leaders, and the general public.