(DDM) – Rotary International has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria, describing the fight against the disease as a mission that must be seen to completion.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the renewed declaration comes ahead of the scheduled visit of Rotary Foundation Chairman and Past Rotary International President, Holger Knaack, and his spouse, Susanne, to Nigeria.
The visit, which will take place from November 1 to 7, 2025, aims to consolidate ongoing national and global efforts in disease prevention, maternal health, and the fight against polio, which remains a key global health priority.
Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 22, Region 27, Ibim Semenitari, disclosed in a statement that the visit represents a renewed phase of collaboration with the Nigerian government and health partners to sustain gains made in the campaign against polio.
She explained that Mr. Knaack and his delegation will meet with top officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other critical stakeholders to evaluate progress and strengthen community-level interventions.
Semenitari emphasized that Rotary’s mission goes beyond eradicating polio, extending to improving healthcare infrastructure and advancing social development goals across Nigeria and Africa.
“Our commitment is not just about ending polio; it is about strengthening the health systems that protect families and ensure no child suffers from preventable diseases,” she stated.
Rotary International President-Elect, Yinka Babalola, also echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the organization’s long-term vision includes creating sustainable health systems capable of supporting future generations.
“Our shared goal is not only to end polio but to build lasting systems that keep families healthy and strong,” Babalola said.
Nigeria was officially declared polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in August 2020, marking a major public health milestone after years of sustained vaccination campaigns and community engagement.
However, health experts continue to warn against complacency, noting that isolated cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus have occasionally been detected in some regions, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance.
DDM reports that Rotary International has been at the forefront of the global campaign to eradicate polio for more than three decades, partnering with WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
Since its inception, Rotary has contributed over $2.6 billion to the global fight against polio, with Nigeria being one of its largest investment beneficiaries in Africa.
Semenitari reaffirmed that the upcoming visit would further energize Rotary members and Nigerian health authorities to sustain the tempo until total eradication is achieved.
“The fight against polio is not over until every child, in every community, is safe,” she declared.
Health analysts say Rotary’s continued presence and investment in Nigeria’s health initiatives demonstrate the group’s unwavering resolve to support the nation’s journey toward better healthcare delivery and disease prevention.
With the November visit, stakeholders hope for renewed partnerships, improved community engagement, and expanded vaccination coverage to finally eliminate all traces of the disease from Nigeria’s borders.
