By Amy E Edwards | Senior Coordinator
Nigeria marked three years free of endemic wild poliovirus on Wednesday, 21 August, 2019 - progress that could result in the whole of Africa being declared polio-free sometime next year. The three-year milestone sets in motion a continent-wide process to ensure that all 47 countries of the World Health Organization’s African region have eradicated the virus.
Nigeria’s success is the result of several sustained efforts, including domestic and international financing, the commitment of thousands of health workers, and strategies to immunize children who previously couldn’t be reached because of a lack of security in the country’s northern states.
Rotary members in Nigeria play an important role in ridding the country of the disease - raising awareness for polio eradication, advocating with the government for continued support, and helping to meet other important needs in communities at risk for contracting polio, including the construction of wells for clean drinking water.
Nigeria is the last country in Africa where polio is endemic. Once Africa is certified as free of the wild poliovirus, five of the WHO’s six regions will be free of wild polio. Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which means transmission of the virus has never been stopped.
Dr. Tunji Funsho, chair of Rotary’s Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, acknowledges the milestone but cautions Rotary members about celebrating too soon. He cites the challenge of making certain that routine immunizations reach every child in Nigeria.
“It’s paramount that we ensure all doors are locked to the re-entry of the wild poliovirus into our country,” says Funsho.
Funsho says to achieve this, Rotary needs to maintain strong advocacy efforts, continue to increase awareness of immunization campaigns, and ensure members raise necessary funds. Rotary has contributed $268 million to fight polio in Nigeria.
World Polio Day is 24 October and Rotary will celebrate this important calendar event with a pre-taped event that will air on Facebook Premiere. Join us to celebrate progress and learn more about Rotary and its partners historic effort to end polio forever.
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