Nigeria, WHO, and Partners Renew Commitment to End All Forms of Polio by 2030
Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and global health partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to fully eradicate all forms of poliomyelitis by 2030. This renewed effort focuses on strong government leadership, expanded community engagement, and sustained vaccination campaigns to ensure no child is left behind
Reaffirming the Goal on World Polio Day
Each year, World Polio Day on 24 October serves as a global reminder of the work still required to eliminate polio. Although Nigeria eliminated wild poliovirus in 2020, the country continues its efforts to stop circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), which is still being detected in some communities.
For polio survivors like Hassana Mohammed Bunur and Bukar Modu from Borno State, the mission is deeply personal. Both now serve as advocates, using their lived experiences to encourage parents to vaccinate their children.
“Had I been vaccinated, my life would be very different. But I use my voice now to protect others,” Bukar shared.
Their stories highlight both the importance of vaccines and the power of community advocacy in creating a polio-free future.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) continue to spearhead the national strategy to end polio transmission.
This includes:
- Strengthening routine immunisation
- Conducting supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs)
- Enhancing surveillance at community and health facility levels
The 2025 Measles–Rubella and Polio Vaccination Campaign targets over 106 million children, making it one of the largest immunisation efforts in Africa
Progress in Interrupting cVPV2 Transmission
Although wild poliovirus remains absent from Nigeria:
- 112 cVPV2 cases were recorded across 15 states in 2024.
- By the same reporting period in 2025:
- 66 cases were detected across 44 LGAs in 12 states
- Representing a 41% reduction in cases.
This progress reflects intensified surveillance and targeted immunisation.
Under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), WHO and national partners continue to provide critical support, including:
- Technical guidance for immunisation campaigns
- Logistics and vaccine delivery to hard-to-reach communities
- Training of health workers in surveillance and outbreak response
Data-driven reviews to close immunity gaps and guide mop-up campaigns
Key partners including Rotary International, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the Chigari Foundation — also contribute to mobilising communities and reaching marginalized populations.
Community Engagement Across States
Across Nigeria, events to mark World Polio Day 2025 emphasized vaccination and surveillance:
Taraba State vaccinated more than 2.3 million children during SIAs.
In Gombe, health partners organized a 3 km awareness walk with NYSC and Rotary.
In Ebonyi, officials expressed appreciation for partner support in improving child health.
Kano State hosted over 500 participants, including traditional leaders and polio survivors, who advocated for continued outreach and survivor inclusion in planning.
Similar advocacy and vaccination drives took place in Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Zamfara
Toward a Future Without Polio
“The only reason polio continues to circulate is because some children remain unvaccinated,” said Dr. Kofi Boateng, Polio Eradication Programme Cluster Lead at WHO. “The vaccine is safe, effective, and every child deserves protection.”
- Nigeria’s pathway to ending polio relies on:
- Sustained political commitment
- Continued partner support
- Active community participation
- Consistent vaccination and surveillance
Every caregiver, health worker, traditional leader, and partner has a role in securing a polio-free Nigeria.