Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication - Nigeria, January-December 2017

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has achieved significant success, with four WHO regions certified polio-free.
• Nigeria, Pakistan, and Afghanistan remain endemic for wild poliovirus (WPV).
• A resurgence of WPV type 1 (WPV1) occurred in Nigeria's Borno State in 2016 amidst an insurgency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on polio eradication progress in Nigeria from January to December 2017.
• To highlight challenges and strategies related to polio vaccination in security-compromised areas.
• To assess the impact of ongoing efforts on immunization coverage.

Main Methods:

• Review of polio eradication activities and surveillance data in Nigeria (January-December 2017).
• Analysis of vaccination strategies implemented in security-compromised regions.
• Estimation of unvaccinated children in inaccessible areas.

Main Results:

• No WPV cases were reported in Nigeria after August 21, 2016.
• Polio surveillance remains challenging in insurgent-controlled areas of Borno State.
• An estimated 130,000-210,000 children in inaccessible areas were not vaccinated in 2016.

Conclusions:

• Nigeria has made substantial progress towards polio eradication, interrupting WPV transmission.
• Reaching children in inaccessible areas of Borno State is critical for complete eradication.
• Sustained efforts in surveillance and immunization are essential, particularly for vulnerable populations.