The Sokoto State Government has renewed its commitment to eliminating the circulation of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2, a lingering public health challenge in parts of northern Nigeria.
It stepped up vaccination, surveillance and community mobilisation efforts aimed at interrupting transmission by 2026.
The state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, stated this on Tuesday during a high-level meeting with the President, Global Development of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Chris Elias, at the Government House in Sokoto.
Nigeria was certified wild polio-free in 2020, but outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus have persisted in some states due largely to low routine immunisation coverage, population movement and vaccine hesitancy.
Sokoto remains one of the priority states under the National Polio Emergency Action Plan.
Aliyu said his administration has adopted new strategies designed to close remaining immunity gaps and protect vulnerable children, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
“Our goal is very clear: to interrupt the transmission of Poliovirus Type 2 and end its circulation in Sokoto State. We are strengthening our vaccination campaigns, improving surveillance and engaging communities more effectively to ensure no child is left behind,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the state government has released its 2024 Routine Immunisation Memorandum of Understanding counterpart fund, reaffirming its commitment to prompt payment in subsequent years to guarantee programme sustainability.
“We understand that political commitment and timely funding are critical. That is why we have honoured our counterpart funding obligations and will continue to do so to achieve the desired health outcomes,” Aliyu added.
As part of efforts to strengthen immunisation logistics, the governor said the state has procured critical equipment, including deep freezers, power generators and motorcycles, to support cold-chain management and enable health workers to reach remote settlements.
“These investments are meant to ensure hitch-free immunisation exercises and effective service delivery across all local government areas,” he said.
Beyond polio eradication, the governor appealed for the extension of the Primary Health Care MoU with development partners to consolidate existing gains, while also seeking additional support to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in the state.
He revealed that over the last two years, the government has recruited 1,500 nurses and midwives to address manpower shortages in public health facilities, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
“We have also introduced a mandatory two-year rural posting for health workers, including medical doctors, to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for our rural populations,” Aliyu noted.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr Chris Elias of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation commended the Sokoto state government for demonstrating strong political will in addressing immunisation and primary healthcare challenges.
“Sokoto’s commitment to routine immunisation, health workforce expansion and community engagement is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status and protecting children from preventable diseases,” Elias said.
The meeting emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among government, development partners and communities to achieve lasting improvements in healthcare delivery.
Officials of the Dangote Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Nigeria office, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency were also in attendance.
