The prospect and solution to problem of polio in Nigeria

In spite of the efforts by some state governments, more is needed to be done to defeat the menace of polio in some parts of the country. New approaches should be applied in combating the spread of the disease from cross borders to other free zones. Nigeria should borrow and copy from India’s drive and […]

In spite of the efforts by some state governments, more is needed to be done to defeat the menace of polio in some parts of the country.

New approaches should be applied in combating the spread of the disease from cross borders to other free zones. Nigeria should borrow and copy from India’s drive and approach to stop the spread of the virus.  Adequate funding should be provided, as well as an increased participation of the media to create awareness and sensitize the public on the dangers posed by polio.

Religious and traditional rulers, involvement should at a micro level: sensitize their people in relation to polio, especially the misconception in some quoters that polio can cause infertility in women. Research has shown that a child up to the age of 15 years can be affected, hence the government, the private sector, the community should pursue with vigor to eradicate polio in Nigeria to give a Nigerian child a free polio environment. A physically challenged Nigerian child is a victim of circumstances, psychologically blaming the society for his/her condition. Therefore, only the intervention of institutions, the involvement of the private sector, through social corporate responsibilities, non-governmental organisations participation and the support of United Nations, which is a pool of donors in that respect, are needed. They should do more to wipe out polio, not only out of Nigeria, but Africa as a whole.

John Kennedy Dami, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri