Rebellion against the polio vaccine in Nigeria: implications for humanitarian policy

Polio eradication has been top on the agenda of various international humanitarian organizations since 1988. Caused by a virus that enters through the mouth, poliomyelitis attacks the nervous system, and can lead to irreversible paralysis or death. Children under five years of age are most at risk, and the oral polio vaccine, OPV, is administered as a drop often on a lump of sugar placed in the child's mouth. Given multiple times, the vaccine may protect a child for life!. In this essay, the Nigerian scenario serves as a case study of community involvement and trust in international humanitarian policy. The underlying causes of the rebellion and its long term impact on immunization programs in the region as well around the world are of interest and relevance to students, teachers and practitioners of public health.