BENIN CITY – Two time governor of defunct Midwest/Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia has lauded the efforts of the stakeholders Rotary International, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF among others, for the sustained victory over polio eradication efforts.
Speaking at a luncheon he hosted at his residence to mark the World Polio Day last Friday, he commended individuals and organizations that have dedicated the last 30 years in the fight against polio eradication.
“Polio has been described by those who have had contact with it, that it is an ailment that can affect the nervous system, it permanently makes a person unable to move particular muscles”, he said.
He noted that measure of complete protection against the virus through immunization of children of tender ages has gained appreciable recognition as “the best protection against the virus”.
Dr. Ogbemudia however, expressed happiness that in the past one year there have been no reported cases of new polio infection in the country, saying that “we are on the way for its complete eradication”.
In her remarks, the representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), NSO/State Coordinator, Edo State, Mrs. Faith Ireye said that she had no doubt that polio is out of Edo State completely.
She lauded the partnership with Rotary International towards the eradication of polio as well as other stakeholders and also commended the media for its enlightenment campaign in the efforts to stamp out polio in the country.
The WHO representative urged mothers to always take their children for immunization once they are due for it so that every Nigerian child and those in Edo State should be protected.
Also speaking, Edo State Immunisation Officer, Mrs. Justina Aikhuele from the Ministry of Health commended Dr. Ogbemudia for partnering with other stakeholders in the polio eradication efforts and equally reemphasized the preeminent role, the media played in that regard.
According to her, Nigeria has been delisted from among countries that are polio infected and affirmed that any new reported cases will draw the country back, that the last reported case of polio in Edo State was in 2009.
She described immunization as a “bodyguard” which should be embarked upon and said the war on measles campaign would begin in January 2016, as the motto is now “Polio plus”.
Also in his remarks, Vice Chairman, Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, Engr. Charles Femi Lawani said that Rotary International has spent human and material fortunes in the fight against polio since the last 30 years.
He stressed the importance of routine immunization to be embarked upon by mothers, advising that the environment should be properly kept clean as prevention should be the key word as one reported case will set the country back 20 years.
Edo State Chairman, Rotary Committee on Polio, Dr. Okunzuwa Osawaru who also spoke at the occasion hailed the sustained efforts of the stakeholders such as WHO, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as Rotary International who have battled the disease over the years.
“The success rate has been excellent and since Nigeria has been delisted from the list of polio endemic countries, it is victory in the eradication initiative embarked upon by stakeholders”, he stated.