Rotary International has spent $3 billion in the fight against poliovirus globally, Chair of Rotary International Polio Plus Committee, Michael McGovern, revealed.
McGovern, who reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to eradicate polio in Nigeria, urged government and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in prioritising polio eradication efforts.
Speaking at Masaka Primary Health Centre, Nasarawa State, where he participated in a symbolic polio immunisation exercise, yesterday, McGovern emphasised the importance of continued efforts to protect children from the devastating effects of polio.
According to him, “Over the years, we have invested nearly $3 billion. It is a lot of money, but we are happy to do it because we see the benefit, 20 million children who have not been disabled.
“The biggest impression that everyone has to have here is to see the beautiful children and recognise the importance of their health.
“Ensuring that they receive the necessary immunisation is vital for them to live healthy lives.”
Despite significant progress, he noted that Nigeria remains at risk, with cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus still being recorded, saying, “While the cases are not huge in number, they are crucially important in terms of eradicating this sad disease once and for all.”
He stressed the importance of routine immunisation to prevent a resurgence, saying, “The most responsible thing is for everyone to support all routine immunisations, for measles, polio and many other diseases.
“Immunisation 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 that their children are immunised.
“It is life-saving. It makes a difference,” he noted.
McGovern also recognised the contributions of international partners such as the World Health Organisation, WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, but emphasised the critical role of local communities, noting, “In the end, it is the local communities that make the difference, ensuring that children are immunised 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 immunisation efforts, he noted that all countries, including his home country, the United States of America, 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.
Director of Polio Plus Programme at Rotary International, Carol Pandak, echoed McGovern’s sentiments, urging Nigerian communities to prioritise vaccinations.
“I have been impressed with the mothers, children and the dedication of local health workers.
“The most important thing parents can do is immunise their children, not just against polio, but against all vaccine-preventable diseases,” she said.
