The Chairman of the Nigerian National Polioplus Committee of Rotary International, Dr Tunji Funsho, stated this at an event to mark the 2021 World Polio Day in Abuja.

He said that No polio has been recorded in the last one year in Pakistan and Afghanistan, which are the two countries still battling polio in the world.

He said that both countries would be certified polio free if no polio is found in three years.

“The world has not seen any case of polio since January this year. And that is very commendable. It is hoped that by 2023, we will see the certification of the two countries and kick polio out of the world“. Dr Funsho said.

He also advised parents to continue to immunize their children against polio and death

The chairman noted that over two hundred thousand Volunteer Community Immunisers are working across nigeria to ensure that children are immunised.

“We have lost a number of our frontline workers either to security or road mishap. All in a bid to make sure that Nigerian children are immunized“. Dr Funsho said.

He also disabused the minds of Nigerians that there is no more polio in Nigeria despite rumors going round.

He said that what we have in Nigeria is vaccine derived polio, which is not dangerous.

He called on the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to ensure the continuous immunization of children and not to let their guard down.

Dr. Funsho also called for more media advocacy on immunization and increased budgetary allocation to health in Nigeria.

He added that 2.2 billion dollars has been so far spent on polio eradication globally.

The Chairman Board of Trustees, Rotary Foundation, John Germ, commended Nigeria for the good job done in polio eradication.

The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Peter Hawkins, said that Rotary is the strongest ally in polio eradication globally.

He said that UNICEF and Rotary International share the same passion about children.

Dr. Hawkins also commended all volunteers working in Nigeria towards eradication of polio.

He said that the theme of the 2021 World Polio Day “The role of women in polio eradication” is apt as women are usually the ones fighting hard to immunize their children.

The Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said that the agency would continue to work towards polio eradication in Nigeria.

He said that the NPHCDA would continue to work with Rotary to achieve success.

On his part, the traditional ruler of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, thanked all the development partners who have been working in Nigeria in the area of polio eradication.

He urged the government to sustain Nigeria’s Polio free status.

A book titled “So They Can Walk” The story of Polio Eradication in Nigeria, written by Prof Christopher Ogbogbo, was launched as part of World Polio Day.

The author of the book, said that proceeds from the book launch are to be used to fund polio eradication in Nigeria.

He also said that the book would continue to remind Nigerians of the past struggle with polio and how to sustain being polio free.

There was also a seven kilometers walk in Abuja, to create awareness about polio.

The theme of the 2021 World Polio Day is ” The role of women in polio eradication”.

It would be recalled that Nigeria is the last country in Africa that was declared Polio free.

Only Pakistan and Afghanistan are still battling to end polio in the world.

VON