What Led to the Nigerian Boycott of the Polio Vaccination Campaign?

Abstract

Jegede discusses the recent controversy surrounding polio immunization in Nigeria, in which three northern states boycotted the immunization campaign.

Patients’ knowledge and perceived reactions to medical errors in a tertiary health facility in Nigeria

“…A commission of inquiry recommended the dismissal of the Chief Medical Director and payment of damages to the family 21 . Similarly, a drug manufacturing company was charged for medical malpractices for testing a drug on Nigerian children in 1996, which resulted in injuries, disabilities and deaths 22 . Although the rate at which medical negligence claims is reported in Nigeria, and Africa as a whole, is relatively low, previous reports have shown evidence of reactions to inadequate care and errors in treatment in Western countries from which lessons can be drawn.…”

“…These factors include lack of trust in modern medicine, poor political environment and religious inclination that prevent high patronage or use of orthodox treatment. Perceived betrayals by programmes like polio eradication in northern Nigeria had recorded a long history of boycott 22 while such false perception and rumour may be difficult to stop. The role of social workers may be important in revelation of medical error and the support of affected patients to regain their normal lives.…”

Public trust and vaccine acceptance-international perspectives

“…13 Many vaccine suspensions and boycotts are not based on scientific evidence but often spurred by this type of misinformation. Fear of sterilization accompanied a drop in tetanus vaccination coverage in the Philippines, Nicaragua and Mexico in 1994, 14 as well as spurred the boycott of the oral polio vaccine in northern Nigeria in 2003 [15][16][17][18][19] and stalled polio eradication efforts in India. 18 Beyond concerns for vaccine safety, vaccine programs also face threats due to political issues.…”

Sociocultural Determinants of Anticipated Vaccine Acceptance for Acute Watery Diarrhea in Early Childhood in Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

“…Rumors about alleged long-term consequences, such as sterility, allergies, or mental health problems, have slowed vaccination campaigns for polio and measles. 4,[22][23][24][25][26] Most of the rumors associated with vaccines are unfounded despite some few exceptions (e.g., RotaShield; Wyeth, New York, NY, was licensed in 1998. When intussusception developed in some infants, the vaccine was withdrawn from the market shortly after its release).…”