WHO renews commitment to polio eradication in Lake Chad Basin countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its commitment to eradicating polio in the Lake Chad Basin countries, with a focus on strengthening collaboration and accelerating progress toward interrupting transmission of the virus.

WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, made the commitment during a meeting on enhanced cross-border synchronization of activities in Abuja.

Mulombo commended the countries for their efforts in interrupting the circulation of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), highlighting the importance of meeting the revised milestone for 2025. “The success of wild poliovirus eradication in Africa is a testament to the power of collaboration and teamwork among countries,” he said.

The Lake Chad Basin region faces significant challenges, including insecurity, humanitarian crises, and highly displaced and mobile populations, which contribute to persistent polio transmission. However, Dr. Mulombo emphasized the need for maintaining strong collaboration and synergy among countries to ensure the protection of all children from polio.

“The dimensions of insecurity, protracted humanitarian crises, and highly displaced and mobile populations in the Lake Chad Basin make it a consequential region for persistent polio transmission.”

“But despite these challenges, the people living in these communities across the countries know no boundaries.”

Mulombo also emphasised the importance of leveraging community engagement and social mobilization to enhance polio eradication efforts. 

“We need to harness all stakeholders at all levels, including community leaders and gatekeepers across country borders, to ensure all children are protected from the poliovirus.”

The meeting brought together representatives from Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to discuss enhanced cross-border synchronization of activities and accelerate progress toward polio eradication in the region. Participants reviewed their performance, shared lessons learned, and discussed strategies for overcoming bottlenecks in polio eradication efforts.

Mulombo assured participants of WHO’s continued support and commitment to polio eradication in the region. “We are happy to facilitate coordination mechanisms and escalate issues as needed,” he said. “We will continue to work together to ensure that all children in the Lake Chad Basin are protected from polio.”

The renewed commitment to polio eradication in the Lake Chad Basin countries is a significant step toward achieving the global goal of a polio-free world. 

With continued collaboration, coordination, and community engagement, the region can make significant progress toward interrupting poliovirus transmission and protecting all children from the devastating effects of polio.

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