Presented at: The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting on Communication for Polio Eradication - Abuja, Nigeria

This PowerPoint presentation was part of a June 2007 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)-hosted meeting dedicated to examining polio communication efforts, in the context of the final global push towards polio eradication. State-specific presentations for Nigeria’s polio-endemic states were given by in-country communication and health practitioners. These were assessed by an external Technical Advisory Group (TAG) panel of experts who provided communication strategy recommendations based on evidence presented and data gathered on field-visits to endemic states. Communication strategies presented at this meeting were primarily focused on:

1. Analysing the results of programmes implemented to June 2007.
2. Detailing activities on national and sub-national levels, specific to social mobilisation, community engagement, data monitoring and media and political advocacy strategies.
3. Suggesting a planned communication programme for the next 6- to 12-month period, designed to support Nigeria's polio eradication efforts in the event of a resurgence of cases or population/programme fatigue.

This presentation gives an overview of the wild poliovirus (WPV) case profile in the Nigerian state of Jigawa, as well as the state's communication platform and objectives for 2007. Strategic planning and results are discussed, as well as residual challenges facing the programme and proposed ways forward through these challenges.


Jigawa has a population of approximately 4.3 million people, which is serviced by 767 vaccination teams. The total number of WPV cases in the state, as of April 2007, was 18. The main state objective for 2007 include reducing the number of zero-dose children from 8% to 4%, and the number of missed children from 8% to 3% by December 2007.


The core platforms of Jigawa's polio communication strategy include:

1. Interpersonal (IPC) and Group Communication - Through IPC and counselling skills training for focals persons and healthworkers; community networking and dialogues; involvement of Qur'anic schools.
2. Advocacy and Partnerships - With state and local government, traditional and religious leaders, non-government and professional groups.
3. Mass Media Communication - With a special focus on radio and TV.

In order to strengthen community mobilisation between Immunisation Plus Days (IPDs) the following activities have been undertaken:

• Sensitisation and involvement of Islamiya school teachers
• Community dialogues
• Advocacy from traditional leaders and influencers
• Involvement of professional groups
• Rally of polio victims
• Traditional birth attendants referring zero dose children to health facilities
• Members of Federation of Muslim Women’s Association (FOMWAN) involved to identify new-born and resolve non-compliance

Monitoring data indicates that the number of missed children in Jigawa has decreased from over 14% in May 2006 to under 4% in March 2007, and the number of zero-dose children has decreased similarly from 11.2% in June 2006 to 7.4% in March 2007.



Residual challenges facing Jigawa's polio communication programme include:

• Need for further strengthening of political commitment.
• Timely release of state funds.
• Inadequate skills and capacity of health personnel on IPC and counselling, information and logistics management.
• Inadequate number of vaccination teams and support personnel.
• Strengthen monitoring and supervision mechanisms.
• Long-term mass media (radio and TV) programme implementation.
• Child-to-child engagement.

In overcoming these obstacles, increased advocacy of policy makers at the State and LGA levels was seen as crucial. Partnership with potential NGOs, mass media and private agencies for longer run programmes in radio and television was also mentioned as important. Other ongoing strategies include encouraging child-to-child engagement, engagement with the new religious or traditional leaders and further skill and capacity building for health personnel.

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