UNICEF warns 2.3 million children in Nigeria at risk of polio

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday at least 2.3 million children in Nigeria have not received routine immunization, thus putting them at risk of polio.

The UNICEF’s Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, disclosed this during an awareness road walk to commemorate this year’s World Polio Day on Thursday.

She said 22,000 children in Bauchi State have not received routine immunization.

Rafique said: “For over two decades, UNICEF has supported Bauchi state in its Polio Eradication Initiatives and Immunisation Plus Days campaigns.

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“This year alone, we have supported three states with Polio Outbreak Response campaigns and two targeted local Outbreak Response in four LGAs with funding for the vaccine, logistics, social mobilisation, and technical assistance.

“It is heartwarming to note that Bauchi has been free of wild polio virus since the last case in 2013. However, we are still contending with the variant form of the virus.’’

“The global decline in childhood immunisation coverage has led to rising outbreaks, even in countries that have been polio-free for decades. 

“The battle against polio is particularly difficult in the most challenging environments, yet eradication is attainable.

“UNICEF delivers over one billion doses of polio vaccines each year, the largest portion of global vaccine deliveries.”

The UNICEF official urged the government at all levels to prioritise vaccination for all children against polio, especially in hard-to-reach areas and communities with low immunisation rates.

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