Rotary International Calls for Polio Vaccination on World Polio Day

On October 24, Nigeria joined the global community in observing World Polio Day. The District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Bukola Bakare, urged parents to ensure their children receive polio vaccines. She emphasized that no child should suffer from paralysis caused by a preventable disease.

In her statement, Bakare highlighted the importance of vaccination and called on governments, community leaders, and all Nigerians to support efforts to protect children from polio. She expressed her sadness that children can still become paralyzed by polio despite the availability of vaccines.

This year’s theme for World Polio Day is “A Chance for Reflection and a Reminder to Reach Every Last Child.” Polio is a serious disease caused by the poliovirus, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency recommends that parents ensure their children receive both the oral polio vaccine and the inactivated polio vaccine on time.

Bakare, who is also a mother and grandmother, warned against complacency after Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020. She noted that outbreaks of variant poliovirus still pose a risk and urged continued vaccination efforts.

Since 1979, Rotary International has been working to eradicate polio and has contributed significantly to vaccination campaigns and public education. Bakare praised various organizations, including the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, for their support in vaccination programs.

She also called for increased efforts to reach children in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. Bakare encouraged parents not to let misinformation deter them from vaccinating their children and to seek advice from health professionals.

In addition to her appeals, Bakare announced upcoming awareness activities, including a Polio Awareness Train Ride on October 31. She urged everyone to contribute to the fight against polio, whether through donations or by spreading accurate information.

Bakare concluded with a hopeful message, urging Nigerians to continue their efforts to eradicate polio and ensure that every child is vaccinated. “We have come a long way, and we must finish the job,” she said.