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By our reporter
Rotary clubs in District 9127 has reiterated the importance of continued immunization and advocacy efforts in the fight against polio.
It regretted that despite significant progress, the disease remains a threat in foreign and non African countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan thereby underscoring the need for sustained action.
Rotarian Kadijat Kuburat Yusuf, the District 9127 Polio Chair, while hosting a novelty football match in Abuja as part of the weeklong planned activities for the celebration of World Polio Day 2024 to support polio eradication efforts informed that polio eradication requires persistent efforts and momentum maintained through continued immunization and advocacy, ensuring all children are protected.
Rotary commitment to polio eradication includes: supporting immunization campaigns, promoting awareness and education, and advocating for policy support.
She stressed that Rotary District 9127 is committed to eradicating polio noting that despite progress, work is far from over. “Continued immunization and advocacy are crucial to protecting all children. We have to work together with all relevant partners and agencies to create a polio-free world.
“Our advocacy approach emphasizes the benefits of a polio-free life: ‘Imagine a child who can play, run, and thrive without the burden of polio.’ This resonates with parents, driving increased acceptance,” she said.
Rotarian Ayodele Steven, Publicity Secretary of Rotary District 9127 said, the District organized the novelty football match to raise awareness and advocate for improved funding for polio eradication activities. The event underscores Rotary commitment to supporting global efforts to eliminate the disease.
He hinted that despite remarkable progress, polio remains a threat in Pakistan and Afghanistan and there are also pockets of variants mutant outbreaks of polio in Gaza which the world is currently responding to in ensuring safe humanitarian corridor for field workers, key efforts required and the need for continued immunization and advocacy.
According to him, effective advocacy has significantly boosted vaccine acceptance, increasing strong immunity and protecting children from polio virus infection.
He pointed out that while pockets of resistance persist, most mothers recognize the vital importance of polio vaccination.
“Although polio has been largely eradicated, our work isn’t done yet. As long as it persists in two countries, we must continue to immunize our children through sustained awareness and advocacy,” he noted.
President of President of Abuja Rotary Clubs, Rotarian Rabbi Mohammed, said effective advocacy ensures that immunization is widely accepted. When mothers understand the importance of vaccination, they willingly accept it when vaccinators visit. This increases herd immunity, strengthens children’s immune systems, and protects them from polio virus infection.
“While some pockets of resistance remain, most mothers recognize the value of polio vaccination. Through targeted awareness campaigns, we’ve increased herd immunity, strengthened children’s immune systems, and protected them from poliovirus infection.
“Advocacy efforts focus on the benefits of vaccination, highlighting the devastating consequences of polio. By emphasizing the value of healthy childhood development, we’ve seen significant increases in vaccine acceptance,” she said.
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