World Polio Day 2024: Rotary District 9127 Advocates for Polio-Free Future in Nigeria
Rotary members of District 9127 gathered in Abuja on Saturday to mark World Polio Day 2024, uniting in an awareness walk to advocate for a polio-free world. The 10-kilometer walk, stretching from Old Parade Ground to Area One roundabout, emphasized the vital importance of immunization in eradicating polio.
The District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Mike Ukachi Nwanoshiri, called on parents, community leaders, religious figures, and influencers to prioritize child immunization. “If we don’t create this awareness, people might forget that polio still exists,” Nwanoshiri said. “By creating awareness and going into the field to vaccinate, we remind everyone that vaccination must continue.”
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The event gathered Rotary club members from across Abuja and surrounding areas, including Past District Governor Ayoola Oyedokun, who reiterated Rotary’s commitment to ending polio. “Our aim is to ensure no child is left unimmunized, preventing polio infections and enabling children to thrive in good health,” Oyedokun emphasized.
Rotarian Ayodele Steven, Publicity Secretary of the Polio Plus Committee and former President of Rotary Club Gwagwalada, stressed the need to sustain polio awareness, particularly as polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan. “Raising awareness is crucial. Through campaigns and field vaccinations, we can sustain momentum to ensure every child is immunized and protected from this crippling disease.”
Dr. Kadijat Kuburat Yusuf, District Polio Chair, urged parents and community influencers to welcome health workers during their house-to-house immunization visits. “Parents, please open your doors to health workers, who are working tirelessly to protect newborns and young children against polio,” she stated. “This is a disease that attacks young children and often leaves them crippled. Together, we can ensure all children are immunized and safeguarded against polio.”
The march and advocacy efforts of Rotary District 9127 reflect Rotary International’s global commitment to ending polio, aiming to create a healthier future for generations to come.
