Segun Babatunde, Bauchi
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s World Polio Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern that despite the success recorded in the fight against Polio, 2.3 million children in Nigeria and around 22,000 children in Bauchi State have not received routine immunization (Zero dose).
In her remarks during the World Polio Day Commemoration in Bauchi held at the Ministry of Health, on Thursday, the Chief of Field, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique declared that child deaths and physical disabilities that polio causes can be banished from Bauchi, Nigeria, and the world if the authorities continue commitment to stopping polio outbreaks.
She disclosed that the outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV) continue to persist, with 4 cases of cVDPV2 (73 cases Nationally) documented in Bauchi in 2024.
According to her, ”The continued spread of polio serves as a crucial reminder: until we eradicate all forms of this disease, children everywhere remain at risk. We face significant challenges in this fight, but UNICEF is dedicated to working with governments and partners to protect children from polio.”
She however stated that, ”Unfortunately, thousands of children are still missing out. The global decline in childhood immunization coverage has led to rising outbreaks, even in countries that have been polio-free for decades”
“For over 2 decades, UNICEF has supported Bauchi state in its Polio Eradication Initiatives and Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) campaigns. This year alone, we have supported 3 Statewide Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) campaigns and 2 targeted local OBRs in 4 LGAs with funding for vaccine logistics, social mobilization and technical assistance.”
Nuzhat Rafique added that,”It is heartwarming to note that Bauchi has been free of wild polio virus since the last case in 2013. However, we are still contending with the variant form of the virus.”
She assured that,”Through Social and Behavior Change (SBC) strategies, we are leading initiatives to increase acceptance and
demand for the polio vaccine among parents and caregivers. This is the essential first step toward achieving and sustaining
high vaccination coverage.”
According to her, “The battle against polio is particularly difficult in the most challenging environments, yet eradication is attainable. UNICEF delivers over 1 billion doses of polio vaccines each year—the largest portion of global vaccine deliveries.”
She added that, “Today, World Polio Day, we call on governments to: Prioritize vaccination for all children against polio, especially in hard-to-reach areas and communities with low immunization rates and Strengthen immunization systems to ensure every child receives essential, life-saving vaccines. (zero children with zero dose status).
It should allocate critical technical and financial resources to local efforts to swiftly address outbreaks and guarantee that children are vaccinated and Keep the polio eradication on the front burner of political discourse while leveraging innovative solutions and
coordinated actions to enhance the quality of immunization campaigns.
“We ask the Bauchi Emirate Council to support the mobilization of parents and caregivers to avail their children for vaccinations and to support the resolution of non-compliance during and after campaigns,” She added.
Nuzhat Rafique concluded stating that, “UNICEF Nigeria working together with prominent Nigerian musicians will be launching a song today that highlights the importance of reducing number of children with zero dose.Together, we can make a difference in this fight against polio. Thank you for your commitment and support.”
In his remarks, Word Health Organization (WHO) Coordinator in Bauchi, Dr Mustapha Mai’Iyali explained that the occasion is to celebrate the survivors of poliomyelitis the world over in order to give them a sense of belonging.
He stressed that,”The whole essence of Polio day is a day to raise awareness about devastating effects of the disease and not only for you to speak, but to take action and spread the message of awareness.”
Mustapha Mai’Iyali added that, “It is also about raising awareness. So that our families, our mothers, Our fathers can allow their children to receive the vaccination, so that children cannot become victims. It is also a day to celebrate for because you are our Heroes.”
According to him,”Like the people we have here, all of you are polio Heroes. You are helping us to reach families, to mobilize families, to raise awareness and to increase the need for more support. So that we can protect our children for a better future.”
“So, I call on all of us to please continue in mobilizing our families, our communities. So that we can have a healthier community, and we will have healthier children, so that we can have a brighter future. May God bless us all,” he concluded.
Our Correspondent reports that the Polio Walk Awareness was undertaken from the Headquarters of the Ministry of Health, Murtala Muhammad Way, CBN Roundabout, Nassarawa Street, Education Roundabout and terminated at the Palace of the Emir of Bauchi.
NGOs, CSOs, International Development Partners and members of the Polio Survivors Association participated in the walk amidst drumming, singing and dancing to the admiration of members of the public along the route.
