The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns that approximately 2.3 million children in Nigeria are at risk of a polio outbreak due to a lack of routine immunization. UNICEF’s Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, disclosed this on Thursday during an awareness road walk in Bauchi to mark this year’s World Polio Day.
Dr. Rafique noted that out of the 2.3 million children nationwide who have not received any routine immunization (referred to as “zero-dose” children), around 22,000 are from Bauchi State, placing them at significant risk of polio infection.
“For over two decades, UNICEF has supported Bauchi State in its Polio Eradication Initiatives and Immunization Plus Days campaigns,” she said. “This year alone, we have assisted in three state-level Polio Outbreak Response campaigns and two targeted local responses in four LGAs, providing funding for vaccines, logistics, social mobilization, and technical support.”
While Bauchi State has been free from the wild poliovirus since 2013, Dr. Rafique cautioned that the variant form of the virus remains a challenge.
“In spite of the success, outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus continue to pose a threat,” she added. “Child deaths and physical disabilities caused by polio can be eradicated if all stakeholders remain committed to preventing further outbreaks.”
Dr. Rafique emphasized the importance of vaccinating every child in every household, warning that many children are still being missed, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. She pointed to the global decline in childhood immunization coverage, which has led to a resurgence of polio outbreaks even in countries previously declared polio-free.
“UNICEF delivers over one billion doses of polio vaccines annually, making it the largest contributor to global vaccine distribution,” Rafique stated.
She called on governments at all levels to prioritize polio vaccination efforts, particularly in areas with low immunization rates. Additionally, Dr. Rafique urged the Bauchi Emirate Council to help mobilize parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated and to address cases of non-compliance during and after immunization campaigns.
“The fight against polio may be challenging, but eradication is within reach if we continue to work together,” she concluded.