Nigeria, Others Face New Polio Outbreaks—UNICEF

Africa has seen 138 cases of poliovirus, with nearly half occurring in Nigeria, in 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed.

Despite significant strides in reducing polio cases over the years, the prevalence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio, measles, diphtheria, and yellow fever remains a concern in regions with low immunization rates, such as West and Central Africa, where DTP3 (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) coverage has dropped to 69 percent from 72 percent in 2019. In 2023 alone, 506 polio cases were reported across the continent.

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at an event organised by UNICEF to commemorate the World Polio Day in Lagos yesterday, pledged support for eradication of polio in Nigeria, while emphasising the societal duty to protect children’s health. “This day is not only about raising awareness for polio eradication but also about recognizing the tremendous progress made in the fight against this devastating disease,” he remarked.

Sanwo-Olu credited global collaborations led by organizations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative for reducing polio cases by 99 percent since 1988, while highlighting Lagos state’s ongoing partnership with these organizations to protect every child from preventable diseases.

To reinvigorate the immunization drive, a group of prominent musicians and actors from West and Central Africa have collaborated on a song titled “No More Zero Dose,” a powerful anthem calling for improved childhood vaccination coverage. The song, designed to resonate with audiences across the region, hopes to mobilize communities and encourage parents to vaccinate their children. The track delivers a message of hope, love, and protection, aiming to address the needs of over 4.3 million children who remain unvaccinated in the region.

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Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his health adviser Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, noted that immunization remains one of the most effective public health measures, and the song’s launch marks a unique approach to engaging communities in the mission to eradicate polio. “Music has the power to unite people and inspire action. By embedding this message in our culture, we’re empowering families and communities to ensure the health of our children,” Sanwo-Olu said, calling the song a symbol of hope and determination.

The first lady of Lagos state, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, also celebrated the release of the song, describing it as a demonstration of collective commitment to child health. Reflecting on Nigeria’s past victories over polio, she cautioned against complacency, especially in light of disruptions caused by COVID-19 that led to a rise in “zero-dose” children. “We must not deceive ourselves with the notion that our mission is accomplished. We owe it to our children to continue pressing forward until every child is protected,” she stressed.

UNICEF’s regional director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical need to reach “zero-dose” children who lack access to life-saving vaccines. “This song amplifies our message to protect every child. We can, and we must, reach every child and eradicate polio,’ Fagninou stated.

The song features 12 artists from across West and Central Africa, including prominent Nigerian figures like Cobhams, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Omawumi, Qing Madi, and Spyro. It aims to convey that every child deserves protection against diseases through vaccination, especially as the region continues to face polio, measles, and other preventable outbreaks.

UNICEF Nigeria’s country representative, Cristian Munduate added, “This project is significant for Nigeria, a country still facing a high number of under vaccinated children. The release of the No More Zero Dose song featuring 12 talented artists from across West and Central Africa, eight of whom are from Nigeria, reflects the deep commitment to ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines. Music is a powerful tool for change, and through this collaboration, we are amplifying the message that no child should be missed.”

A Nigerian music producer and UNICEF champion, who led the music project, Cobhams Asuquo invited everyone to support the fight against preventable diseases. “Together, we can protect every child’s future. Let’s spread hope and health across Africa,” he urged.