Kuje: The District Governor of Rotary International, District 9141, Mr. Anthony Woghiren, has urged mothers across Nigeria to take on the role of ambassadors in the nationwide fight against polio. This call to action was made during an immunisation outreach event held in Kuje, within the Federal Capital Territory, as part of the activities commemorating the 2025 World Polio Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Woghiren highlighted the critical role mothers play in ensuring that children between the ages of zero and five receive polio immunisation, emphasizing the importance of increasing awareness among women, particularly at the grassroots level. He urged mothers to spread the message and encourage their peers and pregnant women to ensure every child receives the necessary immunisation to prevent polio.
Woghiren pointed out that Rotary International has been at the forefront of the global fight against polio, striving for its complete eradication. He noted that while Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only countries still reporting cases of wild poliovirus, global efforts have achieved a 99.9 percent reduction in polio cases. Rotary’s goal is to achieve total eradication of the disease by 2030, and he recalled that Nigeria was declared free of the wild poliovirus in 2020.
To maintain this status and prevent a resurgence, Rotary continues to implement various programs aimed at sustaining a zero-polio status in Nigeria. Woghiren explained that Rotary has intensified public sensitisation efforts through social media, community outreach, and awareness campaigns across cities, markets, and rural areas to promote vaccination.
Woghiren appealed for support, stating, “We need support because we cannot do it alone. We appeal to well-spirited individuals to contribute to the Rotary Polio Fund.” He explained that the funds raised are used for procuring vaccines and supporting health workers who conduct immunisation exercises nationwide. Additionally, he warned that refusing to vaccinate could expose children to the risk of contracting polio, urging mothers to fully embrace the programme.