Polio: Continued vaccination necessary—Rotary

The Rotary Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status and reducing maternal and child mortality, describing the efforts of Nigerian Rotarians and health workers as vital to global health. Speaking at a community dialogue and joint partners health outreach at Gwarinpa village, Abuja, Rotary Foundation Board’s chairman, Holger Knaack, said although Africa […]

The Rotary Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s polio-free status and reducing maternal and child mortality, describing the efforts of Nigerian Rotarians and health workers as vital to global health.

Speaking at a community dialogue and joint partners health outreach at Gwarinpa village, Abuja, Rotary Foundation Board’s chairman, Holger Knaack, said although Africa was certified polio-free five years ago, continued vaccination is necessary until the disease is eradicated worldwide.

“Rotary’s goal is to eradicate polio. As long as there are cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan, we must continue vaccinating children. Our children are not safe until every child everywhere is protected,” he said, stressing that every newborn in Nigeria must receive polio immunisation to prevent a resurgence.

“Thanks to Nigerians and Rotarians, donors see that their contributions are making a real impact—it is an investment in global health,” Knaack stated.

Rotary Foundation’s trustee, Ijeoma Pearl Okoro said the maternal and child health project has reduced mortality by 28 percent over three years in four pilot states. 

Village Head of Gwarinpa, Alhaji Umar Bayaro, emphasized the importance of immunisation, pledging continued support for Rotary’s initiatives.