13 March 2002 --For Nigeria to meet the global target of interrupting transmission of wild poliovirus by the end of this year, it has been recommended that the country conducts two rounds of Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs) in April and May. These will be done in the whole states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano and Jigawa as well as parts of Borno, Benue, Niger, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are considered as high risk areas for polio transmission.

Similarly, two rounds of National Immunization Days (NIDs) are expected to be implemented throughout the country in the period September to November, while "mop ups" will be carried out immediately following detection of wild poliovirus in any part of the country.

These were some of the recommendations of a joint national and international team which recently reviewed the polio eradication programme in the country, at the request of Government.

Nigeria is one of the three major polio reservoirs in the world. The others are India and Pakistan. In 2001, 57 cases of poliomyelitis due to wild poliovirus were reported from 17 of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The global target for interrupting transmission of the wild poliovirus is end of 2002 while end of 2005 is for certification.

For the past four years, transmission of wild poliovirus has been detected throughout the country. More recently however, transmission has been reduced and has become more restricted. The areas of most intense viral transmission now are in the northern states.

The review team found out that the level of quality of supplementary immunization necessary to eradicate poliomyelitis is not being consistently achieved especially at the local government area level. The team also observed consistent reports of delays in payment of immunization teams and supervisors, resulting in lack of motivation.

Social mobilization activities were also found to be fragmented and non-systematic, as much of the goodwill and effort to mobilize communities was not being effectively used. Community ownership of activities was identified to be lacking as local community leaders are not being informed and involved in the process of mobilization.

The team noted however that there is the possibility of interruption of wild poliovirus in the country by the end of 2002. This, according to it, will require tremendously well-coordinated efforts, mainly in the areas of selection of teams, supervision and planning, especially at the local government area level.

For more information, please contact Mr. Austine Oghide, NPO/HIP, 
WHO, 443 Herbert Macaulay Road, 
Yaba, Lagos. 
Tel (234)1 5453662-3; 2903276-7; 7737092-3.
E-mail: oghidea [at] who-nigeria.org
or 
Dr. Nehemie Mbakuliyemo 
E-mail: nehemiem [at] who-nigeria.org