Rotary warns against complacency as Nigeria sustains efforts to protect children from polio

As the world marks World Polio Day on October 24, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Bukola Olabisi Bakare, has urged parents, governments and community leaders to intensify efforts to protect children against poliomyelitis, warning that no child should suffer paralysis from a preventable disease.

Bakare, who oversees Rotary activities in Lagos and Ogun states, expressed concern that children remain vulnerable to polio despite the availability of vaccines capable of preventing the disease. She called on parents to ensure their children receive recommended vaccinations and urged Nigerians to support immunisation programmes.

“It is heartbreaking that in this day and age, a child can still become paralysed because of polio,” Bakare said, stressing that vaccination remains essential to protecting children from avoidable suffering.

She recalled that Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus in 2020, describing the milestone as the result of years of coordinated efforts by health workers, government agencies, volunteers, Rotary members and international partners.

However, she cautioned that the achievement should not create a false sense of security, noting that variant poliovirus continues to pose a public health threat. She emphasised that the certification did not mean vaccination efforts could stop.

According to her, sustained immunisation, public awareness and effective disease surveillance remain necessary to prevent the spread of poliovirus and protect children who may otherwise miss essential vaccines.

Bakare urged governments at all levels to strengthen routine immunisation, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare services may be limited.

She stressed that children in remote settlements deserve the same protection as those living in major cities, warning against leaving vulnerable populations behind in the campaign to eradicate polio.

The Rotary governor also appealed to parents and caregivers not to allow rumours or misinformation to discourage them from vaccinating their children. She advised families to seek accurate information from qualified health professionals and cooperate with vaccination teams working in their communities.

Bakare commended the contributions of the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Gates Foundation, government health agencies and other partners supporting the global campaign.

She noted that Rotary International had remained committed to polio eradication for decades, with its efforts beginning in 1979 and the launch of its PolioPlus programme in 1985.

According to her, Rotary members have supported the campaign through fundraising, community mobilisation, public education and assistance with vaccination activities, including in hard-to-reach locations.

As part of activities to raise awareness, Bakare highlighted a Polio Boat Regatta held on October 17, 2026, jointly organised by Rotary International Districts 9111 and 9112.

She also announced a Polio Awareness Train Ride scheduled for October 31, from Lagos to Abeokuta, as another initiative intended to educate the public, mobilise support and encourage contributions towards ending polio.

She called on corporate organisations, philanthropists and members of the public to support Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, noting that financial contributions and community participation could help sustain immunisation and eradication efforts.

Bakare further urged the media to give sustained attention to public health education, explaining that accurate reporting could correct misconceptions, encourage parents to seek vaccination and help communities understand the importance of prevention.

She expressed hope that continued collaboration among governments, health professionals, communities and development partners would eventually make polio a disease of the past.

Her message on World Polio Day was clear: parents should ensure their children are vaccinated, communities should reject misinformation, and governments must maintain their commitment to immunisation until polio is eradicated globally.

Rotary District 9111 Governor Bukola Bakare urges parents to vaccinate children against polio as Nigeria marks World Polio Day 2026.