Events
INSIGHTS : Uniting for the Final Push to End Polio
In recognition of World Polio Day on October 24, eHealth Africa hosted the 26th episode of its Insights webinar series, focusing on the critical issue of polio eradication. This episode featured a diverse group of experts, including public health official, community leaders, and laboratory expert, who gathered to assess the current landscape of Nigeria’s efforts against polio.
The panelists highlighted the increasing challenges posed by circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (CvPV2) and proposed actionable strategies for addressing this persistent threat. They emphasized that vaccination remains the only effective defense against polio while lamenting the fact that the virus thrives in communities with low immunization coverage, often exacerbated by vaccine hesitancy.
Speaking during the webinar, Dr. Usman Abdulkadir, the Incident Manager of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), stated that the NEOC is actively engaging stakeholders from various sectors to ensure the success of nationwide immunization drives, aiming to achieve herd immunity and stop virus transmission. Digital health technologies, such as Geospatial Tracking Systems and real-time data collection, were highlighted as crucial tools for effectively monitoring outbreaks and coordinating rapid responses.
Panelists also emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration, expressing optimism that Nigeria can overcome CvPV2 and contribute to global efforts for a polio-free future. eHealth Africa’s commitment to monitoring, education, and community engagement reflects a comprehensive approach to this public health challenge, working toward a day when no child is at risk of polio.
Moderator:
Tijesu Ojumu – Communications Coordinator, eHealth Africa
Panelists;
Usman Gana Abdulkadir – Incident Manager, National Polio Emergency Operations Center
Dr Mohammed Basheer Ibraheem (Dankadan Kano) – Kano State Emirate Council Committee on Health
Professor Marycelin Mandu Baba – Director, WHO National Polio Laboratory, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital
Dr. Sha’awa Sa’id Khalil – Chairperson, Kano Emirate Technical Committee on Health and Human Development
