Nigeria is once again battling polio, five years after the country was officially declared free of the disease. Health authorities have confirmed the emergence of a new variant, particularly in some border communities across the Northwest and Northeast regions.
Officials explained that porous forest borders with neighboring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Benin have made it difficult to control the movement of people, leading to the re-emergence of the virus. Despite the challenge, they noted that the number of cases is gradually reducing as vaccination campaigns and surveillance efforts continue across affected areas.
Speaking on the development, the Minister emphasized that the government is working tirelessly to ensure that the variant is completely eradicated and to prevent the emergence of any new strains in the future.
WATCH FULL VIDEO ON SYMFONI TV
Nigeria was certified polio-free by the World Health Organization in 2020, after years of sustained nationwide immunization drives and public health campaigns. That milestone was widely celebrated as a major victory in global health. However, the recent development has raised concerns that the virus still poses a threat, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
ALSO TRENDING:
7-Year-Old Victim Rescued as Lagos Police Arrest Kidnap Suspect
Health experts insist that Nigeria’s renewed fight against polio is critical to protecting millions of vulnerable children from lifelong paralysis and to preserving the gains made over the past decade. They added that with stronger surveillance, improved vaccination coverage, and cross-border collaboration, the country can once again overcome the threat and secure its polio-free status.
