Sophia Williams
Sat, Jul 29, 2023 12:45 AM

FCTA Launches Polio Immunisation Campaign to Sustain Nigeria's Poliovirus-Free Status

HealthEarn Max 30 Coins💰 Get coins immediately after reading this article

FCTA Launches Polio Immunisation Campaign to Sustain Nigeria's Poliovirus-Free Status
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the launch of a supplementary polio immunisation campaign to sustain Nigeria's poliovirus-free status. The campaign, scheduled from July 29 to Aug. 11, aims to curb the spread of the poliovirus and protect children from this crippling disease. As part of the campaign, health workers will visit various places, including households and public spaces, to vaccinate children aged zero to 59 months. To encourage participation, children who receive the vaccine will be given a package of made in Nigeria Indomie noodles. Despite the progress made in eliminating wild poliovirus, Nigeria continues to face the challenge of circulating vaccine-derived type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2).

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the launch of a supplementary polio immunisation campaign in the FCT and Nigeria. The campaign, aimed at sustaining Nigeria's poliovirus-free status, will run from July 29 to Aug. 11.

Nigeria achieved the certification of being free of the Wild Polio Virus in August 2020, a significant milestone in the country's fight against polio. However, a strain of the poliovirus still exists, posing a risk of the disease resurfacing. To prevent this, the FCTA has declared this supplemental immunisation exercise to be crucial in curbing the spread of the virus.

During the campaign, immunisation officers will visit various locations, including households, marketplaces, worship centres, schools, and other public places, to administer the polio vaccine to all children aged zero to 59 months. Parents and caregivers are urged to present their children to strengthen their immunity against the virus and protect them from the potentially debilitating effects of polio.

Dr Isah Vatsa, the Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, announced an incentive to encourage parents to bring their children for immunisation. Every child who receives the vaccine will be given a package of made in Nigeria Indomie noodles. This innovative strategy aims to improve the uptake of vaccines and will be closely monitored to prevent abuse and misuse.

The campaign will involve vaccinating a total of 1.3 million children aged zero to 59 months with the novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV2). Additionally, 1.2 million children aged six weeks to 59 months will receive the Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (FIPV). These vaccines play a crucial role in eliminating the residual risk of polio transmission in Nigeria and boosting routine immunisation coverage.

Despite achieving the polio-free status, Nigeria continues to face the transmission of another strain of the virus, known as the Circulating Vaccine-derived Poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). In 2022 alone, Nigeria reported 168 cases of this strain. To ensure complete eradication of polio, it is essential to interrupt the transmission of all forms of poliovirus and strengthen immunisation coverage across the country.

Dr Kumshida Balami, the WHO Coordinator for Integrated Health Service Delivery in the FCT, highlighted the progress made in addressing the evolving risk of circulating vaccine-derived type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2) in Nigeria. However, challenges and gaps remain, such as reaching children in hard-to-reach communities and ensuring high immunity to the type 2 poliovirus.

The FCT Administration, in collaboration with development partners, has implemented various strategies to ensure that every eligible child receives the polio vaccine. Primary Health Care facilities and government hospitals across the six Area Councils of the FCT will serve as vaccination posts. Temporary vaccination posts will also be set up in churches, schools, markets, village squares, and other designated locations to make it convenient for parents and caregivers.

The FCTA's launch of the polio immunisation campaign reflects Nigeria's commitment to maintaining its poliovirus-free status. By addressing the remaining challenges and gaps, the country is actively working towards complete eradication of polio and safeguarding the health and well-being of its children.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-07-28 News

More detailed, more comprehensive, fresher news, please visit OOO NEWS.

Share content to earn coins