Kebbi state: In Kebbi State, Surajuddeen Lukman has witnessed how delayed or incomplete data can impede a public health response. Lukman is among 62 data and information management officers participating in a two-week training in Akwanga, Nasarawa State. The trainees hail from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, spanning all six geopolitical zones.
According to African Press Organization, the training aims to equip officers with the skills needed to use reliable data to identify gaps, guide vaccination teams, and facilitate faster follow-up. This initiative comes at a crucial time as Nigeria strives to interrupt the transmission of circulating variant polioviruses (cVPV2 and cVPV3) and maintain high-quality disease surveillance. Despite being certified free of wild poliovirus in August 2020, the threat of variant polioviruses remains.
Participants are enhancing their data management skills in surveillance, routine immunization reporting, supplementary immunization activities, and data quality checks. They are also learning to use tools like District Health Information Software 2, R programming, and quantum geographic information systems (QGIS) to track trends, update dashboards, map settlements, and identify communities needing additional vaccination support.
Dr. Kofi Boateng, Polio Eradication Programme Cluster Lead at WHO Nigeria, emphasized the importance of data analysis in guiding field teams and supporting faster responses to missed settlements. Previous immunization activities in Nigeria have successfully used campaign information to reach zero-dose children and those in insecure settlements.
The training supports government-led efforts through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, state primary health care authorities, and polio eradication partners. It aligns with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Sector-Wide Approach, focusing on strengthening primary health care and accelerating progress towards universal health coverage.
WHO Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, highlighted that strong health programs depend on reliable data and skilled personnel. Strengthening data officers’ skills is pivotal to enhancing immunization, disease surveillance, and emergency response across Nigeria.
Participants face diverse challenges, including insecurity, population movement, difficult terrain, and connectivity issues, which can delay reporting. The training aims to equip officers like Shola Benjamin Oyeniyi from Jigawa State and Oluwafemi Emmanuel from Borno State to ensure data drives decisions and resources are allocated based on evidence.
Each participant will implement a 90-day action plan upon returning to their stations, with expected outcomes including faster reporting, improved data quality, updated maps, and early identification of communities needing vaccination support. Progress will be monitored through monthly reviews led by the Polio Eradication Project data team lead.
The training, supported by AFRO through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, underscores the need for sustained investment in reliable health information systems, skilled personnel, and coordinated efforts. With government-led initiatives and support from WHO and partners, trained data officers are transforming information into actionable strategies to ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines and bolster Nigeria’s progress toward a polio-free future.