Nigeria: Traditional leaders strengthen community trust in polio vaccination

When a vaccination team arrived in her community in northern Nigeria, Amina Bindawa hesitated. She had heard different stories about vaccines and was unsure what to believe. It was the intervention of a trusted community leader and a health worker who spoke calmly with her that changed her mind. “I only agreed after they explained why the vaccine was important for my child,” she said. “Now I encourage other mothers to listen and ask questions.” Amina’s experience reflects the reality in many communities where trusted voices help families make informed health decisions. Stories like Amina’s show why trust remains central to Nigeria’s effort to end poliovirus transmission and strengthen routine immunization. Nigeria can stop the spread of poliovirus and protect more children through sustained leadership from traditional institutions, government commitment and coordinated partner support. This message shaped discussions at the second quarter review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee in Abuja. The meeting brought together traditional leaders, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Health Organizat