Displaying items by tag: women lead the way

In a camp just outside Lagos, female vaccinators like Eucharia and Aishatu are leading the charge against polio. Though Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, the country continues to battle outbreaks of vaccine-derived polio (cVDPV), especially in under-immunised and conflict-affected regions. Women have proved indispensable in this effort, often gaining household access where male health workers cannot due to cultural or security concerns. Despite facing mistrust, misinformation, and physical danger, these women build trust through persistence, community dialogue, and personal sacrifice. Many supplement their modest income through small businesses, unintentionally turning polio campaigns into a platform for female empowerment and entrepreneurship. Their efforts have not only improved vaccination rates but also strengthened public health infrastructure and spurred broader social change. While wild polio is now endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Nigeria’s experience offers vital lessons. Its fight against polio, led by women, supported by community trust, and bolstered by innovative strategies, has reshaped how public health can be delivered in fragile settings.