…renew call for sustained immunisation efforts
By Gloria Ikibah
Rotary International Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, and Founder of the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), has renewed the call to action, urging all partners and citizens to remain steadfast to eradicate polio in theworld.
Sir Emeka Offor who said the mission to eradicate polio is not just a health campaign but a moral obligation to secure the future of every child, reiteated the commitment of his foundation to global efforts aimed at eradicating polio, stressing that sustained community participation and government collaboration remain critical to ending the disease permanently.Speaking during a press conference held at the Rotary Centre in Abuja to commemorate World Polio Day 2024, and symbolic immunisation of children in commemoration of World Polio Day.
Sir Offor commended all stakeholders from governments at various levels to religious and traditional leaders, for their continued support in promoting polio immunisation across the country.
According to him, the campaign’s success so far reflects the collective resolve of Nigerians and their partners to protect children from preventable diseases.
He said, “We made a promise to the children of the world, and we will keep that promise. Rotary will not stop until polio is completely wiped out from the face of the earth.”
Sir Offor expressed appreciation to health workers, community volunteers, and advocacy groups who have continued to sensitise the public about the importance of vaccination, noting that their efforts had significantly improved acceptance of polio immunisation in communities that were once resistant.
He observed that the fight against polio had advanced remarkably over the years, with infection rates now at their lowest levels, but emphasised that consistent vigilance was essential to avoid a resurgence.
He said, “We have come a long way, and today’s celebration reminds us of the power of collaboration. We cannot afford to relax. Even though the latest reports show a decline in cases, we must continue advocacy and routine immunisation to ensure that no child is left behind. Our goal remains total eradication — bringing polio to zero.”
Responding to questions from journalists, Sir Offor explained that the foundation’s intervention is not limited to any specific region, as its partnership with Rotary International and other global health bodies targets the entire African continent and beyond.
He said, “Our contributions to Rotary International are for the global eradication of polio. Much of that support has benefited Nigeria and other African countries, and the results are visible. But this is not the time to slow down — advocacy and vaccination must continue.”
Speaking on the foundation’s collaboration with government agencies, Chief of Staff to SEOF, Rotarian Chris Ezike, noted that the partnership with both federal and state authorities remains strong, ensuring smooth coordination during immunisation campaigns.
HE also commended traditional and religious leaders for helping to increase acceptance of vaccines in local communities.
Rotary International and the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation were described as key partners in Nigeria’s journey toward a polio-free status, having provided financial resources, logistics, and high-level advocacy to sustain immunisation efforts nationwide.
Also speaking, UNICEF’s representative, Priyanka, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to global eradication efforts, and explained that while the wild poliovirus has been eliminated in most parts of the world, it still exists in a few regions such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.
She said, “UNICEF is working closely with Rotary, the Gates Foundation, WHO, and governments in affected countries to reach every child with the vaccine. Routine immunisation remains key — not just for polio but for all preventable diseases. In some areas, coverage is still low, and that must change. All the progress we’ve made can be lost if we fail to strengthen routine immunisation.”
She appealed to the media to continue supporting awareness campaigns, stressing that journalists play a vital role in educating parents and communities on the importance of vaccination.
Representative of the Rotary International, PGD Funsho Adeolu, also acknowledged the support of corporate bodies and other local partners who have contributed to awareness campaigns and community outreach through their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The 2024 World Polio Day celebration, organised by Rotary International in partnership with the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and the Federal Government of Nigeria, was described as a reaffirmation of global solidarity to ensure a world completely free from poliovirus.
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