STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE POLIO ERADICATION PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Wild Polio Virus (WPV) is one of those severe health challenges confronting developing nations. Nigeria is labelled a reservoirs of wild polio virus (WPV) in the world; a disturbing status that has encumbered the country economically and otherwise. This polio infection has also claimed the lives of several promising Nigerian children and has limited the future of many, who are today permanently paralysed. Despite government and international agencies’ effort, the country in 2016 lost a chance to be declared ‘a polio free nation’ by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This paper explores the communication challenges of polio immunisation programme in Nigeria. Excellence Theory was adopted to drive its theoretical framework. The paper argues that the achievement of a polio free status and the sustenance of same in developing countries. As such, public relations play vital roles in increasing public trust, participation, mobilisation and motivation towards the polio eradication programme.