Taraba State in Nigeria has announced a new campaign to curb the spread of circulating vaccine‑derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2). The government’s offensive will focus on priority wards and communities where many children have not received routine vaccinations.
cVDPV2 occurs when the weakened virus in the oral polio vaccine circulates in under‑immunised populations, potentially leading to outbreaks. By targeting areas with low coverage, the state aims to close gaps that allow the virus to persist.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to eliminate polio across Nigeria, where routine immunisation remains a key public health strategy. Health officials say that boosting coverage in vulnerable communities is essential to prevent further transmission.
While the exact rollout schedule has not yet been released, the state government has committed to mobilising health workers and resources to reach the most at‑risk children. The campaign will involve door‑to‑door visits, community outreach, and the distribution of polio vaccine doses.
Taraba’s move underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining high immunisation rates in regions where access to health services can be limited. By concentrating efforts on the most vulnerable wards, the state hopes to reduce the risk of future cVDPV2 outbreaks and move closer to a polio‑free Nigeria.
<small>Source: AllAfrica Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
