Interview

‘Despite WHO certification, Nigeria still under threat of vaccine-derived polio’

Despite having achieved the World Health Organisation (WHO’s) wild polio-free certification, Nigeria is currently battling the circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus Type 2.

In this interview with Tribune Online, the National Chairman, Nigeria National Polio Clubs Committee, Joshua Hassan, explained some of the causes of vaccine-derived polio in Nigeria.

We have exited the polio epidemic as a nation. How has the journey been?

To exit, they must not find any polio in the country for a minimum of three years. There are two partners we work with; WHO and UNICEF. Earlier on, the country was free for two and a half years. We were just planning for the celebration when the issue came out in 2017 in Borno. The state was locked up with no access. In 2017 we had to start another three years. So by early 2020, Nigeria was declared free, but we didn’t get the certificate until August 2020. By Nigeria being declared free, Africa too became free of the wild poliovirus. So, even the countries battling with it now, it is at the end of when they got the last polio case, three years will be counted and if no polio case is detected, they can be declared free.

How much has been spent on it?

Spending is very difficult to judge because everybody is spending. Rotary is spending. WHO is spending. UNICEF is spending. There are also people spending in cash not kind; the traditional rulers, the churches, and the mosques. We’re spending for the good health of our children. This is what we do. We are not in competition with each other, but on the same page trying to achieve the same thing.

Can we say we are no longer experiencing polio strains?

We are, there is what is called vaccine-derived polio virus. In areas where children were not adequately vaccinated or not vaccinated at all vaccines proliferate. They go on the ground and over time, they mutate and then this thing is month to month. And the children can pick it up on the ground. So we are still suffering from the vaccine. As of now, there is one called AIT. They do not deal with states anymore. They say consequential geography. AIT is an acronym for Axis of Interacted Transmission States. The key states we are dealing with now are Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina. They are challenged with AIT. As of now in Africa, Nigeria is leading. And in Nigeria, the Northern part is on top, and in Northern Nigeria, the above states are affected.

What is your committee doing to ensure that these four states are covered?

We are not doing it alone. We work with our partners. We act immediately when cases are reported. Every year, we go to the States and award the foot soldiers; those who do the work. This is just to encourage others to work.

What are the challenges in the region?

Insecurity and accessibility. In Kaduna and Zamfara, kidnappers abducted and killed some people. So banditry and kidnappers are affecting our operations. A team arrived last Sunday, they called themselves Outbreak Response Assessment groups. They come from all the partners worldwide; about 37 of them. They have gone to all the states. They split themselves into states to see what is going on and see how they can help technically. That is why the national polio coordinator is in Katsina. So, it exists and that is what we’re battling with.

Is insecurity affecting surveys or immunization?

It is affecting both. How can you survey where there is insecurity? In some places when I reach I can not afford to go with my phone. If they see you with a telephone, you are in trouble. But there is nothing we do not do to get every child reached and vaccinated.

How many countries have the wild poliovirus?

Only two countries have it; Afghanistan and Pakistan. I got from WHO and Rotary International weekly reports. This past Friday, they said that the total number of wild polio cases in 2023. That is from January to October 11 is nine; three in Pakistan, and six in Afghanistan. Last year, the same period, they had 30 cases. There is improvement.

So, there is no polio threat?

Yes, but there is the vaccine-derived polio

What is the solution?

Immunization is the solution

What has been the response of Nigerians?

Very great. We are lucky. Last month, we did one in the south-south and southeast because one variant was found in Enugu. In Nigeria, you can’t get 100%. In some cases doctors reject vaccines. I went to Niger State two years ago and discovered that it is only the state that has passed a law that says any child that needs vaccination, medicine, or anything should be given.

Based on the effort you have put in place, would you advocate that there should be a national law regarding that?

Any person in his normal mind would make good laws for children because they are the future of the country. We have suffered enough from diseases. Ignorance, bad lifestyle, and beliefs in our culture are affecting us. I have gone to churches where they say they do not believe in taking medicine. What I tell people is, to do the best you can.

Is it possible to completely eradicate polio considering insecurity affecting your operations?

Yes, it is, but only by vaccines

Is there a targeted period for this to be achieved?

The target globally is 2026. We are hoping that by the end of December 2026, polio will be completely eradicated.

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE