Polio Returns in Kwara as 4 LGAs Flagged High Risk, Parents Urged to Act Fast Amid New Cases
The recent confirmation of new polio cases in Kwara State has heightened concerns over child protection and safeguarding, particularly in four local government areas identified as high risk.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency flagged Kaiama, Ifelodun, Moro, and Ilorin East as vulnerable hotspots following fresh infections that contribute to Nigeria’s growing polio caseload in 2026.
Health experts warn that the development exposes critical gaps in efforts to protect children from preventable diseases. Despite ongoing immunisation programmes, many children remain unvaccinated or fail to complete their vaccination schedules, leaving them at risk of infection, lifelong disability, or death.
Officials attribute the persistence of polio in these areas to factors such as poor hygiene, insecurity, and limited access to healthcare services. These conditions not only increase children’s exposure to the virus but also hinder effective vaccine coverage, especially in hard-to-reach communities.
The situation is further complicated by Kwara’s strategic location as a transit route to several northern states, raising the risk of wider transmission. Public health authorities say this makes it critical to strengthen containment efforts and ensure comprehensive immunisation coverage.
A fresh round of vaccination campaigns is scheduled to begin across the state, targeting children within the most vulnerable age groups. Authorities have urged parents and caregivers to present their children for immunisation, stressing that no child is fully protected until all required doses are completed.
Stakeholders note that beyond emergency responses, safeguarding children requires sustained investment in routine immunisation, improved healthcare access, and stronger community engagement.
As Nigeria continues to battle polio, experts emphasise that protecting children from preventable diseases remains a fundamental responsibility, warning that any gaps in coverage could reverse progress made in recent years.
