In a bid to curb the virus, the NPHCDA called on religious leaders to play a more active role in promoting vaccination and maternal health in their communities.
The Nigerian government has raised the alarm over the intense transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) in Nigeria, with 70 cases reported across 14 northern states.
This was disclosed by Dr. Muyi Aina, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), during a meeting with religious leaders in Abuja on Monday.
Dr. Aina stated that the cases were recorded from 46 local government areas, attributing the continued spread to low routine immunisation rates and vaccine refusals during polio campaigns.
“This situation highlights the need for improved vaccine coverage,” Dr. Aina said.
“We must ensure that every woman has access to antenatal care, that pregnancies are managed by trained midwives, and that every child completes their immunisation as per the national schedule.”
In a bid to curb the virus, the NPHCDA called on religious leaders to play a more active role in promoting vaccination and maternal health in their communities.
The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, reflecting the government’s focus on leveraging community influencers to boost healthcare efforts.
He emphasised the need to break down barriers to healthcare, ensure equitable access to services, and build trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
"Our combined efforts can create an environment where every Nigerian child is immunised and every Nigerian mother receives the care she deserves," he stated.
He commended the leadership and dedication of religious leaders in mobilising communities across the country.
As trusted figures in their congregations, he said they possess the influence to dispel myths, correct misinformation, and promote positive health-seeking behaviours.
While noting that religious leaders are not just spiritual guides but also advocates for the well-being of their followers, he highlighted their critical role in influencing parents’ decisions, which could mean the difference between life and death for children.
A child vaccinated against preventable diseases can survive, he added.
The executive director expressed concerns that in many parts of Northern Nigeria, especially in rural and underserved areas, the demand for essential maternal and child health services remains a significant challenge.
He lamented the high rates of maternal and child mortality, pointing out that far too many women die from pregnancy-related complications, and too many children do not reach their fifth birthday due to preventable diseases.
He disclosed that every day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 children under five years old and 145 women of childbearing age, with most of these deaths occurring in Northern Nigeria.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the contributions of religious and traditional leaders in raising awareness and mobilising for vaccinations, including the eradication of the Wild Polio Virus and other health initiatives across the country.
Follow the Sahara Reporters channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaFClvtH5JM6SSsP7M2Y