Eradicating Polio in Nigeria

A new film about the fight to eradicate polio in Nigeria made with UNICEF, WHO and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Nigeria is one of just four countries in the world where polio is endemic.

UNICEF: Campaign to vaccinate 53 million against polio

OGUN, Nigeria, 30 March 2009 In the village of Madoga, trained community health workers from Nigeria and Benin Republic work together to reach all the children in the community. They are part of a mass campaign synchronised between eight West African countries that has aimed to reach more than 50 million children with the polio vaccine over the last four days.

Nigeria is one of just four countries in the world with endemic polio. In 2003, controversy surrounding the vaccine resulted in many parents refusing to immunise their children. This led to a large increase in the number of cases, and the reinfection of seven other African countries.

The Nigerian Government is determined to eradicate polio. With the support of UNICEF, the World Health Organization, Rotary International, they are leading the initiative.

To read the full story, visit http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/nigeria_48969.html