Dr Walters Mulombo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative to Nigeria, said 51 cases of circulating Variant Polio Virus (cVPV2) have been detected in 28 states between January and August 13.
Dr Mulombo disclosed this at a retreat organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in collaboration with Sultan Foundation, for traditional leaders of inaccessible communities in Kaduna.
He revealed that 47 of the 51 cases representing 92% are from North-West Nigeria, and the majority of the cases are from states with security challenges in the region.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, NPHCDA Executive Director also confirmed the detection,
stating that NPHCDA and the Federal Ministry of Health remain steadfast in their strive to halt the transmission of the virus by December 2023.
“Polio, an ancient and relentless foe, has tested our resilience for decades. But we have not faltered; we have not surrendered. Together, we fought many battles until we won the war against Wild Polio Virus. Now, the time has come to overcome its counterpart known as cVPV2. We have the tools, the knowledge, the experience and the unwavering spirit to achieve this monumental task. Your leadership can accelerate our progress.”
He urged the participants as well as the parents, traditional and religious leaders and all citizens to work collectively in the fight against the virus.
In his remark, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar lamented the non-implementation of strategies noting that it has adversely impacted the country.
He urged stakeholders at the retreat to match their words with action in tackling the new polio virus. “We, leaders, do not lack solutions to problems; what we lack is implementation. We speak in beautiful languages and go back home without implementing the solutions.”
Nigeria was declared polio-free status on 18th June 2020 and was officially declared free of the disease on 25th August 2020. The declaration came after bated breath for four years after the last virus case was recorded in Borno State.
