Nigeria has recorded a 46 percent decline in circulating Variant Poliovirus (cVPV2) cases compared to last year, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has disclosed.
Executive Director of the agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, speaking at the Second Quarter 2025 review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery in Abuja, said the target is to reach zero or near-zero cases by December 2025.
He attributed the progress to stronger collaboration with traditional leaders, which has helped reach more communities, counter misinformation, and vaccinate more children.
According to him, infections have dropped significantly in high-burden states such as Kano (85 per cent) and Katsina (84 per cent), while vaccination coverage nationwide increased from 81 per cent to 84 per cent between April and June 2025.
Aina noted that the agency is expanding services to include malaria treatment and nutrition support within vaccination campaigns to improve acceptance, while warning of persistent challenges such as insecurity and fake finger-marking.
He stressed that continued involvement of traditional leaders and collaboration with the media will be critical to sustaining gains against polio.