Kaduna — The fight against polio infection in Nigeria has recorded progress with the number of children paralysed by the virus in 2009 standing at half of what was obtained in 2008.

This is because as at August 21, 2009, Nigeria had 370 cases spread across 26 states and 191 local governments, compared to 2008's 732 new cases in 24 states and 219 local governments.

Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, while disclosing this yesterday at a two-day 18th Expert Review Committee (ERC) meeting in Kaduna State, added that the reduction shows clear evidence of Nigeria's effort at eradicating polio.

This, he added, was made possible by the partnership with state government, traditional and religious leaders, in addition to the Federal Government which also gave tremendous support.

According to him, the country is now immunizing more children with potent and safe vaccines, more health workers had been trained, and more communities mobilised where other interventions like measles vaccines and vitamins A supplement are being given to women and children all over the country.

Despite all these, Pate, said other challenges still remain before the virus can be totally eradicated in Nigeria.

The challenges, according to him, includes the persisting gaps in polio campaigns operations at the local government, some state governors and local government chairmen who are yet to put their full weight behind the eradication effort, while some parents still refused that immunisation should be administered to their children.

Governor Namadi Sambo, while declaring the meeting open, said Kaduna state, desirous of eradicating the virus from the state, spent N70 million on every round of immunisation exercise.