Polio Re-Emerges in Nigeria: A Setback in Global Eradication Efforts
In a disappointing development, health officials have confirmed two new cases of polio in Nigeria, marking the first instances of the disease recognized in the country in two years. The cases, detected in the Borno State, represent a setback in the ongoing global effort to eradicate polio, a debilitating disease that primarily affects children.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to paralysis. The virus invades the nervous system and, in its most severe form, can cause permanent disability and even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is highly effective in preventing the disease. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), founded in 1988, has made significant strides in reducing the incidence of polio worldwide.
The re-emergence of polio in Nigeria is particularly concerning given the progress the country had made toward eradication. In 2015, Nigeria was removed from the list of polio-endemic countries, signifying a major milestone in the fight against the disease. However, in 2016, four cases were reported in Borno State, highlighting the vulnerability of certain regions.
The current outbreak is also centered in Borno State, an area facing significant security challenges. The volatile situation in the region can severely hinder disease surveillance and vaccination efforts, making it difficult to reach children with life-saving immunizations. According to a statement released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on , “The volatile security situation in this area can significantly impact disease surveillance and vaccination efforts.”
Global Progress and Remaining Challenges
Despite this setback, the global fight against polio continues to make progress. According to web search results, transmission of wild poliovirus (WPV) continues uninterrupted in only three countries: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. This represents a significant reduction from the early 1980s, when polio was prevalent in over a hundred countries and caused hundreds of thousands of cases annually.
The GPEI has successfully eradicated two of the three types of wild poliovirus worldwide. However, the remaining type continues to circulate in the aforementioned countries, posing a threat to global eradication efforts. Circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) have emerged in areas with low population immunity, causing outbreaks of paralysis. A recent report from the CDC, covering January 2023 to June 2024, details 74 cVDPV outbreaks in 39 countries, resulting in 672 confirmed polio cases.
Vaccine-derived polioviruses emerge in populations with low immunization coverage. The oral polio vaccine (OPV), while highly effective, contains a weakened form of the virus that can, in rare cases, mutate and regain the ability to cause paralysis. What we have is why maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to prevent the emergence and spread of cVDPVs.
International Collaboration and Continued Commitment
The CDC has a long history of collaboration with the Nigerian government and international health partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to support polio eradication efforts. The CDC will continue to provide technical and scientific support as part of the Nigerian and global response.
Health officials emphasize that setbacks are not uncommon in eradication programs. The smallpox eradication program, for example, faced numerous challenges before ultimately achieving success. “This is not the first time that polio eradication efforts have experienced a setback,” the CDC stated. “It is a reminder that we must redouble efforts to strengthen surveillance and immunization activities.”
The commitment to eradicating polio remains unwavering. As the CDC statement affirms, “We remain 100% committed to eradicating polio. Our experience has taught us that commitment and perseverance are two critical elements needed for success. We continue our commitment to end polio and will persevere until it is eradicated forever.”
Achieving the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s goal of interrupting cVDPV transmission by 2026 will require timely outbreak responses and overcoming barriers to reaching children who are missed by routine and supplementary immunization activities. Continued vigilance, strong surveillance systems, and sustained vaccination campaigns are essential to protect children from this preventable disease.
