From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government alongside development partners including UNICEF, Rotary International, WHO, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to the total eradication of polio in Nigeria.
They stakehokders described this fight as a collective responsibility that must be pursued until the end.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Health, to commemorate the World Polio Day 2025, Dr. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, representing the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the significant progress made in the global battle against polio and the necessity to maintain efforts until the disease is completely eradicated.
He said: “This year’s theme, ‘A Healthier Future for All’, reminds us of our shared duty to ensure that every child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
“Although Nigeria has been certified free of wild polio, we must stay vigilant. Kaduna State has reported three cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the last two months, with the most recent case in Giwa Local Government Area.
“This is why observances like today are crucial—to reignite our commitment and strengthen our resolve.”
Ikara noted that the state government has declared a state of emergency regarding immunization to enhance coverage, expand outreach to hard-to-reach areas, and bolster community-based surveillance systems to detect early warning signs of outbreaks.
Ikara encouraged parents and caregivers to ensure that all children under five receive every recommended vaccine dose and urged the media to continue countering misinformation while supporting public health education.
“No child should suffer from polio, Immunization is safe, free, and remains the most powerful tool to protect our children and our future”, he stressed.
Also speaking, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Idris Baba remarked that World Polio Day is an opportunity to mobilize resources, promote solidarity, and show empathy for polio survivors.
“We have achieved 99 percent success in our eradication efforts, but that the remaining 1 percent still poses a threat to the global community.
“As partners, we stand in solidarity with Kaduna State and Nigeria to complete this mission. We cannot afford to lose focus now”, he stated.
On his part, a representative from Rotary International, Alhaji Aruna Usman spoke of the organization’s long-standing involvement in the global eradication initiative which began in 1988. He reiterated that polio eradication remains Rotary’s flagship humanitarian project.
“Today is a significant day for Rotary and for Nigeria.
“Despite being certified polio-free, isolated cases still exist, and we must continue to push forward to eliminate polio from Africa.
“ We urge governments and partners to strengthen routine immunization, particularly in areas affected by banditry and those that are hard to reach”, he declared.
The event was attended by representatives from WHO, Solina, the Chigari Foundation, traditional and religious leaders, and polio survivors, who shared their experiences as part of the awareness campaign.
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