The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported the identification of 51 fresh incidents involving the Circulating Variant Polio Virus (cVPV2) in Nigeria, spanning from January to August 13 this year.
This malady has been detected in 15 distinct local government areas across the country. However, a staggering 47 of these occurrences stem from states in the North-West region that are grappling with significant security challenges. This alarming security situation has become a focal point for all stakeholders within the healthcare sector.
In the context of a strategic gathering in Kaduna State, organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation for traditional leaders of remote North-West communities, Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO’s Representative in Nigeria, unveiled this disconcerting information.
Mulombo underscored that the majority of these outbreaks are concentrated in states beleaguered by security issues in the North-West zone. This unsettling state of affairs is impeding Nigeria’s pursuit of universal healthcare coverage.
The enduring security predicaments in the North-West zone, compounded by the activities of bandits and kidnappers, have further deteriorated an already fragile healthcare system that has suffered from years of neglect and insufficient funding. This dire situation has hampered the effective delivery of vital health services, including routine immunization for children.
Mulombo also voiced concern over how insecurity has obstructed access to healthcare services in the North-West, which has consequently led to distressing rates of maternal and infant mortality in the region.
