Following the discovery of the vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) in some states of the country, the Nigerian government on Wednesday set up an intervention committee to urgently address the crisis.
This was one of the resolutions reached at the 144th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday.
This is contained in a statement shared at the end of the meeting and signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in Mr Shettima's office, Stanley Nkwocha.
Vice President Kashim Shettima [PHOTO CREDIT: @officialSKSM]
The NEC, which comprises the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, among other relevant government officials, meets once a month with the responsibility of “advising the President on the economic affairs of the Federation, and in particular on measures necessary for the coordination of economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various governments of the federation.”
Wednesday's meeting was attended by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation co-chair Bill Gates and the chairman of the National Economic Council.
Tagged “Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Eradication Committee,” the committee is expected to be chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammad Yahaya and will have as members the governors of five states in northwestern Nigeria where the strain has been discovered.
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
Background story
The Council adopted this resolution in response to Mr. Gates' presentation indicating the urgent need to address the challenge.
Article page with promotion of financial support
Nigeria was declared free of wild polio in 2020, but the spread of a different strain, known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2), remains a concern.
In 2021, the country reported 1,028 cases, followed by 170 cases in 2022. So far this year, 51 cases have been reported, mainly in Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
To address this problem, the Nigerian government has intensified routine immunization using two vaccines: the fIPV vaccine and the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2).
The government is focusing on 13 high-risk and conflict-affected states and has so far carried out campaigns in nine states, in phases.
NEC Resolution
To speed up the government's efforts, the NEC said it has decided to set up a poliovirus eradication committee that will report to it on a monthly basis.
The NEC said committee members will also include “the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Director General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and representatives of the NEC Secretariat and UNICEF.”
“In addition, the Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Health, a representative of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum will also sit on the committee.”
Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group
The vice president speaks
At the meeting, the Vice President stressed the need to expand the health sector along with other sectors in the pursuit of national development.
He said the future of this nation depends on the health and well-being of children.
According to him, the success of the country and the current administration depends on recognizing the socio-economic threats that have continued to reduce the country's development index.
He said: “Most importantly, our determination to lead by example. We are gathered here because none of us can achieve the goal of ensuring the survival of our people in isolation.
“Whether it is expanding access to quality education, improving health care or providing vocational training and job opportunities, it is clear that each of us has the power to influence policies and decisions at different levels.”
He also praised the efforts of Mr. Gates and Mr. Dangote as development partners for Nigeria, noting that their companies have invested huge resources in the well-being of Nigerians, covering critical areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture and education.
Mr. Shettima added: “Their philanthropy is not seasonal, but a steadfast commitment that continues to shape the future of our nation.
“We did not survive the lowest points of our journey as a nation just because of the proactivity of the government; we did so because we remained partners in rain and shine.”