By: Femi Mustapha
Development partners, including UNICEF, Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, have reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria.
During a press briefing held in Kaduna, Dr. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, who represented the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, emphasized the importance of maintaining efforts until the disease is completely eliminated.
Nigeria has made significant progress in the fight against polio; however, Kaduna State has reported three cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the past two months.
In response, the state government has declared a state of emergency on immunization to enhance coverage and strengthen community-based surveillance systems.
UNICEF Health Specialist Dr. Idris Baba described World Polio Day as an opportunity to mobilize resources and promote solidarity.
“We have achieved a 99 percent success rate, but that remaining 1 percent still poses a threat to the global community,” he stated.
Rotary International Representative Alhaji Aruna Usman reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to polio eradication, which dates back to 1988.
Dr. Ikara urged parents and caregivers to ensure that all children under the age of five receive every recommended dose of the vaccine. He also called on the media to combat misinformation and support public health education.
“No child should suffer from disability due to polio,” he stressed. “Immunization is safe, free, and remains the most effective tool to protect our children and secure our future.”
