Rotary’s continued fight against polio: a legacy of service

Rotary’s US$2.1 billion fight against polio has protected 3 billion children worldwide. In Nigeria, vigilance remains crucial to stay polio-free.

 

[dropcap]R[/dropcap]otary International continues its relentless fight against polio, a disease that once paralysed millions worldwide, through unwavering commitment, funding, and community engagement.

Since the launch of its PolioPlus initiative in 1979, Rotary has contributed over US$2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to immunise nearly three billion children across 122 countries.

 

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Rotary’s advocacy has also spurred governments to allocate more than US$10 billion towards eradicating polio.

Polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) cautions that until transmission is interrupted in these two countries, all nations remain at risk of polio reintroduction, particularly vulnerable regions with weak public health systems and global travel links.

 

Nigeria’s Polio-Free Milestone

 

Once among the countries where polio was endemic, Nigeria achieved a significant milestone on 24 August 2020, when the World Health Organisation (WHO) certified it polio-free. Before this achievement, Nigeria reported its last indigenous wild-polio virus case in 2016. In 2006, Nigeria had the highest number of polio cases globally.

Rotary was instrumental in Nigeria’s success, investing over US$300 million to eliminate the virus. Through initiatives like strengthened surveillance, community engagement, and targeted immunisation in high-risk regions, the country overcame a devastating public health challenge.

In 2023 alone, Rotary contributed another US$14 million to bolster polio surveillance in Nigeria, facilitated by the National PolioPlus Committee, chaired by Past District Governor Joshua Hassan.

 

Ongoing Challenges and Vaccine-Derived Cases

 

Despite its wild-polio-free status, Nigeria faces challenges with vaccine-derived poliovirus. As of December 2022, 168 cases of circulating vaccine-derived polio (type 2) were reported, primarily in under-immunised communities.

By mid-2024, the country recorded about 50 new cases. This resurgence highlights the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates and robust monitoring systems.

To uphold its polio-free status, Nigeria administers over 270 million vaccines annually. However, routine vaccine coverage remains a challenge in some regions, emphasising the need for sustained commitment from public health authorities, communities, and international partners.

 

Mark Maloney’s Visit to Nigeria

 

Mark Maloney, Chair of The Rotary Foundation (TRF), and his spouse, Gay, are set to visit Nigeria from 15–20 January 2025.

Hosted by Pearl Ijeoma Okoro and other Rotary leaders, their visit underscores Nigeria’s significance in Rotary’s global polio eradication mission.

During his visit, Maloney will meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Aso Villa and participate in advocacy events, symbolic immunisations, and community engagements.

In Lagos, he will address a press conference, attend a gala dinner, and interact with Rotarians from Districts 9111 and 9112.

Maloney’s connection with Nigeria is longstanding; during a 2018 visit as Rotary International President-elect, he was warmly received by local Rotarians. His Nigerian footprint has earned him the honorary moniker “Marktunde.”

 

A Call to Action

 

Rotary’s fight against polio is a testament to what collective effort can achieve. As Rotarians and partners work tirelessly to ensure a polio-free future, the public is reminded of their role in making a difference.

Joining initiatives like Rotary or supporting public health campaigns can transform lives and communities.

Braimah, a communications strategist and Chair of the Public Image Committee (2024-2025) for Rotary International District 9112, urges everyone to contribute to the greater good. “It is never too late to make a difference,” he says.

For more information, visit Naija Times or Lagos Post. You can also reach Ehi Braimah at ehi.braimah@neomedia.com.ng.