Nigeria revises immunization strategies to combat polio outbreak in Katsina State

NIGERIA—The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has revamped its immunization strategies to ensure that all vulnerable children receive life-saving vaccines.

 This initiative aims to interrupt the transmission of the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) in the state where the virus has been reported in several communities.

According to recent reports, Katsina State confirmed 16 cases of cVPV2 across five local government areas (LGAs) in 2024, with Batsari LGA accounting for a staggering 98% of these cases.

In response, the state has adopted a community-centred approach, engaging traditional leaders and local volunteers as part of its strategy to enhance vaccine distribution in high-risk areas.

After receiving proper training, these volunteers are deployed under the guidance of community gatekeepers to serve as vaccinators and champions of immunization efforts.

As of June 2024, this community-driven strategy had reached 253,006 children out of the 326,069 children targeted across 11 local government areas.

The focus remains on ensuring that all eligible children, particularly in high-risk areas, receive the vaccines necessary to curb the spread of the virus.

Nigeria’s broader efforts to interrupt the transmission of cVPV2, especially in the Axis of Intractable Transmission (AIT) states—which include Katsina, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi—are critical for the country’s goal of eradicating polio.

Success in these regions is seen as pivotal to achieving nationwide polio eradication.

Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed deep appreciation for the continuous support provided by WHO and its partners.

 He emphasized that the collaboration has been instrumental in the state’s progress toward interrupting the spread of the virus.

 “WHO has played a crucial role in supporting our mission to protect vulnerable children and prevent further transmission,” Dr. Radda said.

He also affirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining the achievements made so far.

Dr. Abdulnasir Adamu, the WHO State Coordinator, echoed this sentiment, reiterating WHO’s dedication to supporting Nigeria in reaching all eligible children with essential vaccines.

He emphasized that “every child deserves a brighter future and access to quality healthcare services,” highlighting WHO’s mission to ensure health equity for all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

WHO’s support in Katsina aligns with its broader global goals, such as the “triple billion” target and the implementation of its fourth Country Cooperation Strategy (CCSIV), which emphasizes health for all.

Dr. Adamu praised the state government’s leadership in tackling the outbreak at the community level, noting that WHO has provided critical technical support to improve partner coordination, strengthen surveillance efforts, and bolster data management systems.

With over 5,000 technical and community personnel, including field volunteers, local government facilitators, and community informants working in Katsina, WHO is confident that the state will continue to make significant progress in reaching vulnerable children.

These efforts are expected to disrupt community virus transmission and contribute to the country’s overall goal of polio eradication.

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