WHO reveals factors fueling spread of polio variants in Nigeria, others

The World Health Organisation’s Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, has emphasized that despite extensive efforts to combat polio, the ongoing spread of Circulating Variant Polio Type 2 is largely driven by insecurity, limited healthcare access, and increased population mobility in certain countries.

In a statement made on Wednesday to mark World Polio Day on October 24, Moeti highlighted the importance of raising awareness and resources for the global initiative to eradicate polio. She noted, however, that the region is closer than ever to achieving a polio-free status.

“This year, our region has reached significant milestones, including the notable success of Madagascar, which has now gone a full year without detecting Circulating Variant Poliovirus Type 1. In Southern Africa, we marked the closure of the imported Wild Poliovirus Type 1 outbreak that was declared in 2022,” she stated.

Moeti also praised the collective efforts of Malawi, Mozambique, and neighboring countries such as Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, underscoring how their swift and coordinated actions have fostered optimism. “These achievements highlight the strength of joint action, the resilience of our communities, and the unwavering dedication of frontline health workers,” she added.

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Data supports these positive developments, with a reported 96 percent decrease in detections of cVDPV1 and a 65 percent drop in cVDPV2 in the African region from 2023 to 2024 (as of August 31 for each year).

However, she cautioned that countries in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel are facing challenges with the continued transmission of Circulating Variant Polio Type 2, exacerbated by insecurity, limited healthcare access, and significant population movement.

“In 2024 alone, 134 detections of polio type 2 (both in the environment and in affected people, as of September 5) have been reported in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria,” she disclosed.

Moeti stressed the necessity of strong political commitment in the fight against polio. She highlighted the urgent need for renewed collaboration among government leaders, WHO, UNICEF, and other partners, who came together in July and August 2024 to create a coordinated plan to eradicate the variant poliovirus in affected countries.

“As a result, nearly 70 million children in high-risk areas in those countries have been vaccinated since the beginning of the year,” she said.

Vigilance is also crucial, as Moeti emphasized the importance of enhancing surveillance in underserved areas and quickly responding to new detections. She urged for high-quality vaccination campaigns to be scaled up.

“The latest Independent Monitoring Board of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative report underscores the need for enhanced community engagement. In many regions, particularly those affected by insecurity or social mistrust, it is community health workers who make the difference between success and failure. We must continue to support these local heroes, ensuring they have the resources and training required to reach every child with life-saving vaccines,” she stated.

Moeti also pointed out the advancements in polio diagnostics and sequencing technologies as a significant stride forward in eradication efforts. “Thanks to ongoing training across Africa, particularly in South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya, laboratory capacity has expanded, allowing for faster identification and response to outbreaks.”

She called on all stakeholders to remain vigilant: “Our goals are clear. We must sustain robust surveillance systems, respond rapidly with high-quality vaccination campaigns, and improve routine immunization coverage. Progress is real, but setbacks can occur when we lose vigilance.”

As she concluded her address, Moeti urged all governments, partners, and communities to recommit to the fight against polio, honoring the sacrifices of health workers, community leaders, and families who contribute to this cause. “Our success is not just Africa’s—it is the world’s. With sustained momentum, strong leadership, and global solidarity, a polio-free future is within our reach. Together, we can attain a polio-free world,” she asserted.

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