Rotary Leads Renewed Push as Kaduna Marks World Polio Day UNICEF, WHO, Gates Foundation, Others Reaffirm Commitment to End Polio in Nigeria

Rotary Leads Renewed Push as Kaduna Marks World Polio Day

UNICEF, WHO, Gates Foundation, Others Reaffirm Commitment to End Polio in Nigeria

By Zainab Tanimu, Kaduna Northwest Nigeria

In a strong show of partnership and renewed determination, Rotary International, UNICEF, WHO, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Kaduna State Government have pledged to intensify efforts toward the complete eradication of polio in Nigeria.

The commitment was reaffirmed on Friday  during a press briefing organized by the Kaduna State Ministry of Health to commemorate the 2025 World Polio Day, themed “A Healthier Future for All.”

Speaking at the event, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr. Hamza Ibrahim Ikara, emphasized that the day serves as a reminder of the remarkable global progress against polio and the need to sustain momentum until the disease is entirely wiped out.

“Although Nigeria has been certified wild-polio-free, we must remain vigilant,” Dr. Ikara said. “Kaduna State has reported three cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in the past two months, with Giwa Local Government recording the latest. This is why occasions like this are vital — to reignite commitment and reinforce our collective resolve.”

He noted that the state government had declared a state of emergency on immunization, intensified outreach to underserved communities, and strengthened surveillance systems to detect and respond swiftly to possible outbreaks.

Also speaking, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Idris Baba, described World Polio Day as a rallying point to celebrate progress, mobilize resources, and show empathy toward survivors.

“We’ve achieved 99 percent success globally, but that remaining one percent poses a serious threat,” he warned. “As partners, we stand with Kaduna State and Nigeria to finish the job. This is not the time to relent.”

Rotary International’s representative, Alhaji Aruna Usman, reaffirmed the organization’s enduring role in the fight against polio, describing eradication as Rotary’s flagship humanitarian mission since 1988.

“Today is a proud day for Rotary and for Nigeria,” he said. “We’ve come a long way, but our mission isn’t complete. We urge all partners and governments to strengthen routine immunization, especially in bandit-affected and hard-to-reach areas.”

The event drew participation from WHO, Solina, Chigari Foundation, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and polio survivors, who shared personal stories to inspire continued public awareness.

Dr. Ikara concluded with a passionate call to parents and caregivers to ensure all children under five receive their full vaccination doses.

“No child should ever be disabled by polio,” he stressed. “Immunization is safe, free, and remains our strongest weapon to protect the next generation.”