The Borno State Government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving zero polio infections in the state. This comes as the number of recorded cases continues to decline, with only three cases reported in 2026, down from eight in 2025. According to UNICEF, this progress is a result of collaborative efforts between the government, health workers, community leaders, and development partners.
UNICEF's Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Butichi, highlighted the achievements in the fight against polio during a football match organised for polio survivors in Maiduguri. The event was part of activities to mark the 2026 World Polio Day. Butichi noted that the decline in cases is a good indicator of the collective efforts of stakeholders in the state. He emphasised that despite this progress, the goal remains clear: to eradicate polio completely in Borno State.
The football match, which brought together polio survivors, symbolised the collective commitment of stakeholders to a polio-free future in Borno State. Butichi stressed that the event was more than just a match, but a demonstration of unity among communities, government, partners, caregivers, and survivors in the fight against polio. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening primary healthcare services to ensure every child has access to vaccination and essential health services.
Butichi called on government, partners, community leaders, parents, and caregivers to renew their commitment to immunisation and child health as the state prepares for an upcoming polio campaign in October and November. He noted that this campaign presents a critical opportunity to protect every child and close the remaining immunity gaps. The UNICEF chief also appreciated the efforts of the state government, media, and other stakeholders in protecting the health and future of children.
The decline in polio cases in Borno State is attributed to the dedication of the state government, health workers, community and religious leaders, development partners, volunteers, and caregivers across the state. Butichi acknowledged the crucial role played by these stakeholders in achieving the progress made so far. He emphasised that the fight against polio is not over, and sustained efforts are needed to ensure that no child in Borno State suffers from the polio virus again.
As the state approaches World Polio Day 2026 on 24 October, stakeholders are urged to intensify their efforts to eradicate polio. Butichi stressed that the ultimate victory will be achieved when no child in Borno State suffers from the polio virus again. He reiterated the need for continued collaboration and commitment to immunisation and child health to ensure a polio-free future for the state.
The Borno State Government and UNICEF will continue to work together to eliminate polio from the affected communities. With the upcoming polio campaign, the state government and its partners aim to protect every child and close the remaining immunity gaps. The commitment to zero polio infections in Borno State remains unwavering, with stakeholders working tirelessly to achieve this goal.
Key points
- - Borno State has reduced reported circulating variant polio virus (cVPV) cases from eight in 2025 to three in 2026. - UNICEF and the Borno State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving zero polio infections in the state. - The upcoming polio campaign in October and November presents a critical opportunity to protect every child and close the remaining immunity gaps.
