An illustration depicting a particle of the polio virus – New York Times
2025-12-14
According to The Punch, Nigeria’s polio-response managers say reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases have fallen, with Kano and Katsina recording the biggest declines, even as officials warn outbreaks can rebound if immunisation gaps persist.
The update was presented during a National Economic Council (NEC) review, where officials linked the improvement to intensified campaigns, tighter monitoring and stronger coordination in high-risk areas.
State House reporting on the same NEC meeting referenced a national reduction figure and stressed that progress depends on sustaining high coverage and rapid response where surveillance detects new risks.
The Whistler also reported the NEC briefing and echoed the warning that gains will only hold if surveillance and response remain consistent across states.
Analysis/Echotitbits take: Kano and Katsina are pivotal in Nigeria’s polio history—progress there is meaningful but fragile. Watch for stronger routine immunisation (not only campaigns), improved surveillance quality, and faster close-out of ‘zero-dose’ pockets that can reseed outbreaks.
Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/govt-warns-as-polio-drops-in-kano-katsina/)
