Rotary International has spent $3 billion in the fight
against poliovirus globally, Michael McGovern, Chair of the Rotary
International Polio Plus Committee, has revealed.
The Rotary International Chief, who reaffirmed the
organization’s commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria, urged the Nigerian
government and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in prioritizing polio
eradication efforts.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Masaka Primary Health
Centre in Nasarawa State, where he participated in a symbolic polio
immunization exercise, McGovern emphasized the importance of continued efforts
to protect children from the devastating effects of polio.
“Over the years, we have invested nearly $3 billion.
It’s a lot of money, but we are happy to do it because we see the benefit, 20
million children who have not been disabled.
Trustee Rotary Foundation, Pearl Ijeoma Okoro, with
Chairman, International Polio Plus Committee (IPPC), Mr. Michael McGovern,
during the Symbolic Immunization, held at Primary Health Care Area 1 Masaka
Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, yesterday.
“The biggest impression that everyone has to have here is to see the beautiful
children and recognize the importance of their health.
“Ensuring they receive necessary immunizations is
vital for them to live healthy lives,” he said.
Despite significant progress, he noted that Nigeria
remains at risk, with cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus still being recorded,
saying, “While the cases aren’t huge in number, they are crucially important in
terms of eradicating this sad, sad disease once and for all”.
He stressed the importance of routine immunization to
prevent a resurgence, saying, “The most responsible thing is for everyone to
support all routine immunizations, for measles, polio, and many other diseases.
“Immunization strengthens the immune system and
protects children from multiple illnesses, not just polio”.
McGovern, however, acknowledged the tireless work of
frontline health workers, who venture into difficult terrains to ensure that
children receive vaccines.
“We particularly want to acknowledge the frontline
workers who go out into the heat, into so many places, and the mothers who make
sure their children are immunized.
“It’s life-saving. It makes a difference,” he noted.
McGovern also recognized the contributions of
international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation, but emphasized the critical role of local
communities, noting, “In the end, it’s the local communities that make the
difference, ensuring children are immunized and have a healthy future”.
He also underscored the importance of health
surveillance, saying, “Laboratories, parents, and local health authorities must
remain vigilant. If a child shows signs of illness, parents should take them to
health facilities to find out what is going on”.
On Nigeria’s broader immunization efforts, he noted
that all countries, including his home country, the United States, could do
more, “Nigeria is not unlike the rest of the world. Every country can do more
than it is doing now,” he stressed.
However, McGovern reiterated that while polio
eradication remains a priority, Rotary International is also committed to
supporting broader child and maternal health initiatives.
“The next big project will be determined by Rotarians
worldwide. We don’t prescribe top-down solutions; we listen to the needs of
local communities,” he said.
Carol Pandak, Director of the Polio Plus Program at
Rotary International, echoed McGovern’s sentiments, urging Nigerian communities
to prioritize vaccinations.
“I’ve been very impressed with the mothers, children,
and the dedication of local health workers.
“The most important thing parents can do is immunize
their children, not just against polio but against all vaccine-preventable
diseases,” she said.
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