Polio Vaccination in Nigeria: the ‘good’, the ‘bad’ and the ‘ugly’

With increase in the number of polio cases, Nigeria serves as the primary threat to a polio free world. The “good” the bad” and “the ugly” aspects of polio vaccination in Nigeria is discussed. In the ‘good’ aspect the number of wild poliovirus cases declined by over 90%, cVDPV 2 cases declined by 82%. Similarly, genetic clusters of both wild poliovirus type 1 and type 3 have reduced form 18 and 19 in 2009 to 2 respectively. The Immunity to polioviruses has improved in endemic States and new approaches for better identification of settlements and to promote community participation have been adopted in 2012. On the ‘bad ‘aspect, polio cases have increased from 21 in 2010 to 62 in 2011 and 84 in 2012 (7th September)with on-going transmission of wild poliovirus type 1, 3 and cVDPV2. Declined political oversight at critical juncture and non-Implementation of emergency plans in key infected areas has been observed. Non-compliance to the vaccine seems to be the major contributor to the increasing number of polio cases in the country. Lastly “the ugly” face focuses on the aftermath of the boycott of polio vaccination in northern States in 2003 amidst the rumour that the vaccine contained infertility drugs, causes poliomyelitis and spread HIV. After resolving the crisis, some parents in the north still resist compliance with the polio vaccination. Borrowing a leave from the rally organized by the polio victims, all Nigerians should complement the government efforts in ‘kicking’ polio out of the country. KEY-WORDS: Polio Vaccination; Wild Polio Virus; Immunization Plus Days; Micro Planning; Nigeria