…recorded last case in 2021 

By Peter Duru, Makurdi 

Benue is targeting over 95 percent polio immunisation coverage across the 23 Local Government Areas, LGAs, to ensure further progress in the eradication drive in the state. 

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Yanmar Ortese made this known Thursday shortly after about three kilometres sensitization walk by stakeholders in Makurdi town in  commemoration of the 2024 World Polio Day in the state with the theme ‘Vaccine Works for All.’ 

The Commissioner who pointed out that the state recorded its last polio case in 2021 noted that “since then, no new cases have been recorded, a milestone that underscores our commitment and vigilance in keeping our communities safe.” 

Dr. Ortese emphasised that the World Polio Day was a global call to action “to strengthen the fight against polio and reaffirm our commitment to eradicating this debilitating disease once and for all. 

“Here in Benue State, today’s event serves as an opportunity to celebrate our progress, assess the challenges that remain, and mobilise support to overcome them. Our goal is to ensure that we sustain and build on our achievements, enabling every child in Benue to grow up in a world free from polio.” 

He restated the state’s commitment to maintaining high surveillance sensitivity “evident in our consistent achievement of core Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) indicators over the past five years.”

He said “Benue State Government remains fully committed to a future without polio. We have intensified our efforts in immunisation and surveillance, especially in hard-to reach and underserved communities. We have also prioritised outreach initiatives to ensure that no child is missed and are working closely with local leaders to foster trust in immunisation services. 

“Furthermore, immunisation efforts have been integrated into broader healthcare delivery systems to ensure sustainability. We believe that health education and mobilising community support are key to achieving lasting results, and we are dedicated to empowering our communities with accurate information and accessible services.” 

The Commissioner lauded the efforts of partners supporting the eradication drive including World Health Organization, WHO, UNICEF, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, the IMPACT program of the World Bank, the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Rotary Club, Chigari Foundation, and other key stakeholders and sued for the sustenance. 

He said: “Looking forward, our next target is to achieve and sustain the recommended 95 percent immunisation coverage across Benue State. This milestone is critical to securing our progress in polio eradication and reducing dropout rates to near-zero levels. 

“To reach this goal, we are expanding our outreach efforts and working to improve access to vaccination services in every community. 

“Our polio eradication efforts extend benefits beyond just combating polio. The investments made in immunisation infrastructure, surveillance, and community health education are strengthening our overall healthcare system.” 

Continuing, Dr. Ortese stressed that “a polio-free state means not only a safer future for our children but also a stronger foundation for public health and prosperity for everyone. The lessons and advancements from our polio campaigns serve as a model for improving healthcare delivery across the State. 

“This year’s theme, ‘Vaccine Works for All,’ captures the heart of our mission – to protect every child and every community through the power of vaccines. On this World Polio Day, I urge every parent, caregiver, and community member to make routine immunisation a priority.”