Insecurity, limited healthcare access fuel polio spread in affected regions — UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that insecurity and limited healthcare access in certain zones have fuelled the spread of polio, making them epicentres of the disease.

UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office Chief, Dr Gerida Birukila, raised the alarm on Thursday during the launch of the “No More Zero-Dose” song to commemorate World Polio Day 2024.

Alarming statistics from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023 reveal that only 40.3 per cent of children in the Northeast, where the Boko Haram conflict persists, are fully vaccinated, while 26 per cent remain unvaccinated.

In Borno State, 28.5 per cent of children are fully vaccinated, while 21.2 per cent have not received any vaccinations. Eight local government areas in Borno State—MMC, Mafa, Konduga, Jere, Gubio, Monguno, Ngala, and Damboa—have been identified as zero-dose areas.

Dr Birukila called for a renewed commitment to eradicating polio, emphasising the importance of routine immunisation for children’s well-being.

UNICEF has provided advocacy support for increased health and vaccination funding, conducted targeted interventions across prioritised local government areas, and implemented integrated campaigns focusing on underserved communities.

To tackle these challenges, stakeholders must address vaccine hesitancy and non-compliance, supply chain and vaccine stock-out issues, and access limitations in insecure areas.

The “No More Zero-Dose” song features Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Cobhams, Spyro, Omawumi, Qing Madi, Master Soumy, and others.

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