AFENET PROJECT
Ending Polio for Good — Protecting Every Child, Everywhere
We work to permanently interrupt all forms of poliovirus transmission by stopping outbreaks, preventing resurgence, and strengthening routine immunization systems to sustain a polio-free Nigeria.
The Polio Unit provides critical technical support to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in advancing national polio eradication efforts. This support is delivered through the Polio National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) in close collaboration with Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners.
Although Nigeria was certified free of Wild Poliovirus (WPV) in August 2020, the transmission of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) has continued since 2021. The Polio Unit remains central to national efforts to interrupt this transmission and strengthen immunization systems to prevent future outbreaks.
About Polio Eradication Project Unit
CSM Project Lead gives a brief overview about the project.
Why This Project Matters
Cerebrospinal meningitis remains a persistent public health threat in northern Nigeria, driven by climatic conditions, population mobility, overcrowding, and health system constraints. Seasonal outbreaks continue to place pressure on state response systems, often resulting in delayed detection and preventable deaths.
Historically, challenges such as fragmented surveillance data, limited laboratory confirmation capacity, and weak coordination between surveillance and response structures have slowed timely action. This project was established to close these gaps and ensure that suspected cases are detected earlier, confirmed faster, and responded to more effectively.
What the Project Is Delivering
The project strengthens meningitis preparedness through integrated surveillance and response activities. Enhanced CSM surveillance is deployed during peak transmission periods, supported by real-time reporting through SORMAS and alignment with the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework.
Laboratory systems are reinforced through improved cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample collection, referral, and confirmation processes. Health workers across surveillance, laboratory, and response pillars receive continuous mentorship, training, and supportive supervision to improve performance and data quality.
Routine data review meetings, field monitoring, and adaptive implementation ensure that response efforts remain timely, targeted, and evidence-driven.
Measurable Progress in CSM Surveillance and Preparedness
Surveillance, laboratory, and response personnel trained and mentored
high-risk meningitis belt states supported
Enhanced CSM surveillance activated during peak transmission seasons
Improved timeliness and completeness of CSM case reporting across supported LGAs
Vaccine effectiveness studies conducted across the four state
Learning and Adaptation
Early engagement of state teams has strengthened ownership and accelerated response actions. Regular data reviews have improved data quality and use for decision-making, while integrated surveillance–laboratory coordination has reduced confirmation delays. Adaptive deployment during peak seasons has proven critical for effectiveness.
