As nations today, celebrates more than six years since a child was paralysed from wild poliovirus in the African Region, the World Health Organization (WHO) says, there are still more than 100 million children at risk of paralysis by vaccine-derived poliovirus.
This was disclosed by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti in his message to mark the World Polio Day in Abuja.
According to Moeti, the best way to protect them is by increasing population immunity through routine immunization and ensuring strong surveillance systems are in place to rapidly detect any cases.
He reminded nations and their health leaders, their recommittements to “deliver on a promise” made during the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in August 2021, by doing everything needed to achieve an Africa free of all forms of polio by 2023.
Dr. Moeti also lamented the outbreak of another form of virus, known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 which he said is currently, affecting 23 African countries.
“To end all forms of polio once and for all, these outbreaks must be rapidly contained, by conducting high quality vaccination campaigns, within two months of outbreak notification. An additional tool, the novel oral polio vaccine, is now available and it can help to end these outbreaks. I’m proud to say that African countries have been the first globally to rollout this vaccine.
He however commended all Member States in the Region for their unwavering commitment to ending polio, evidenced also by the speed and scale with which immunization campaigns resumed after a pause due to COVID-19 related disruptions.
“Since these activities resumed in July 2020 more than 100 million children have been vaccinated against polio in African countries. Ethiopia, for example is celebrating today with an immunization campaign aiming to reach 17 million children across the country.
“Finally, I would like to give a shout out to all the frontline health workers striving to protect their communities from all forms of polio. Thank you for all the incredible work you are doing.
Together, with the dedication of frontline health workers, with engaged communities, national leadership, and the support of partners, we can ensure that vaccines reach every at-risk child by 2023 to protect them and future generations from all forms of polio.
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