Sokoto Targets End to Vaccine-Derived Polio by 2026
The Sokoto State Government has renewed its commitment to stopping the circulation of Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2, intensifying vaccination, disease surveillance and community mobilisation efforts aimed at interrupting transmission by 2026.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu made the pledge on Tuesday during a high-level meeting with Dr Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, at the Government House in Sokoto.
Nigeria was declared wild polio-free in 2020, but outbreaks of vaccine-derived strains have persisted in parts of northern states, largely due to gaps in routine immunisation, population mobility and vaccine hesitancy. Sokoto remains a priority state under the National Polio Emergency Action Plan.
Strengthening immunisation and funding
Aliyu said the state had adopted targeted strategies to close immunity gaps, particularly among children in hard-to-reach communities.
“Our goal is clear: to interrupt the transmission of Poliovirus Type 2 and end its circulation in Sokoto State. We are strengthening vaccination campaigns, improving surveillance and engaging communities more effectively to ensure no child is left behind,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the state had released its 2024 Routine Immunisation Memorandum of Understanding counterpart fund and pledged consistent funding in subsequent years to sustain progress.
He noted that political will and timely financing remain central to achieving public health targets.
Expanding logistics and workforce
To support immunisation delivery, the state has procured cold-chain equipment including deep freezers, generators and motorcycles to help health workers access remote settlements across local government areas.
Beyond polio eradication, Aliyu appealed for the extension of the Primary Health Care Memorandum of Understanding with development partners to consolidate gains and address maternal and infant mortality.
He revealed that the government has recruited 1,500 nurses and midwives over the past two years to bridge manpower gaps in primary healthcare facilities. A mandatory two-year rural posting policy for health workers, including doctors, has also been introduced to improve equitable access to healthcare services.
Gates Foundation commends effort
Dr Chris Elias commended Sokoto’s political leadership and commitment to routine immunisation and workforce expansion.
“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,” he said.
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The meeting underscored the need for sustained collaboration among government, development partners and communities to achieve lasting improvements in healthcare delivery.
Officials from the Dangote Foundation, the Nigeria office of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency were also in attendance.
