By Tasi’u Hassan
Despite significant successes in the fight against polio, concerned authorities continue aggressive enlightenment campaigns.
The World Health Organization (WHO), Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and partners organized a road walk in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, to commemorate World Polio Day.
In her message, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Matshidiso Moeti commended the commitment of African countries in eradicating polio and urged them to keep the momentum, especially in adapting new methods to detect poliovirus earlier and more efficiently.
Dr. Moeti’s message, read by Adamawa State WHO Coordinator Dr. Ahemen Terseer, stated that Africa is closer than ever to being polio-free, calling for enhanced surveillance, particularly in underserved areas, and accelerated response to new detections.
According to her, “World Polio Day finds us at a pivotal moment in our mission to eradicate polio. We are now closer than ever to a polio-free Africa, but much work remains”.
Dr. Moeti added, “Vigilance is also critical. We need to enhance surveillance, especially in underserved areas, and accelerate our response to any new detections. Equally, important is the need to scale up high-quality vaccination campaigns”
After the road walk, the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency Executive Chairman Dr. Sulaiman Sa’idu noted that the event is a moment for stakeholders to renew commitment and action towards polio eradication efforts, saying though Nigeria has reached elimination and certification, there are indications that it is not yet over.
He explains “We have made remarkable progress, but we are beginning to see signs that it is not yet over. So, this day is for us to look at what are the remaining activities that we need to do and as you observed, there are so many challenges to the complete eradication.
We have reached elimination, we want to reach eradication. And for us to reach eradication, we must clear it completely from We have some threats that are emaging; areas of insecurity, areas that have limited access to healthcare, areas that have very difficult terrain in terms of access to service”.
Dr. Sulaiman, who said that they will not rest until polio is completely eradicated, tasked parents to avail their children in the upcoming integrated vaccination campaign starting November 1, 2024.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Adamawa State Ministry of Health, Pharmacist Zira Mathias Bubanani encouraged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders to ensure under-5 children receive polio and other vaccines to protect them against vaccines preventable diseases.
A polio survivor and Physically Challenged Persons Chairman, Abdullahi Toungo lamented the negative impact of polio on his life, citing limited education access.
Abdullahi Toungo who said it is sad seeing young children with polio despite the availability of vaccines, called on parents to get their children vaccinated to avoid jeopardizing their lives.
The WHO and partners awarded State Ministry of Health, Nigeria Union of Journalists, District Head of Girei, Muslim Council and Christian association of Nigeria, for outstanding contributions in the fight against Polio in the state.
