Nigeria is currently witnessing an intense transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus type 2(cVPV2), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has said.
The executive director of the agency, Dr Muyi Aina made the disclosure Monday in Abuja during the engagement meeting with religious leaders, organised by the agency in collaboration with the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development.
He said a total of 70 cVPV2 had been recorded from 46 local government areas across 14 northern states.
He said, “This is an indication of continuous transmission of the virus due to low routine immunization, and refusal of vaccines during polio campaigns.This must change. We must ensure that every woman has access to antenatal care, that every pregnancy is delivered by trained and skilled midwives, and that every child completes their routine immunization according to the national schedule and get vaccinated every time vaccination teams visit their homes. Together, we must work to create a system that ensures no mother or child is left behind.”
He enjoined religious leaders to renew their commitment towards ensuring improved vaccination, and maternal and child health in their communities.
He said, “We must focus on breaking down barriers to care, ensuring equitable access to services, and building trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. Our collective efforts can create an environment where every Nigerian child is immunized, and every Nigerian mother receives the care she deserves.”
He said their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in mobilising communities across the country , adding that as trusted leaders of their congregation, they have the power to dispel myths, correct misinformation, and encourage positive health-seeking behaviours.
While saying that religious leaders were not just spiritual guides and advocates for the well-being of their followers, he added that their influence on parents could make the difference between a child dying from childhood diseases and another surviving because the latter was protected with vaccines.
The executive director said that in many parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved areas, demand for essential maternal and child health services remained a challenge.
He said that too many women still die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and that too many children fail to reach their fifth birthday due to preventable diseases.
He said that every day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under five years old children and 145 women of child bearing age with most of these deaths occurring in Northern Nigeria.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, said religious and traditional leaders have been instrumental in raising awareness and mobilisation for vaccination including the eradication of Wild Polio Virus and other health interactions in the country.
He enjoined religious leaders to be open in their discussion at the meeting towards addressing challenges in their communities.
He also enjoined them not to relent in providing zakat and tithes to support health interventions and the less privilege in the country.
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