Rotary International Commits US$14 mln to Bolster Polio Eradication in Nigeria

The Rotary International has pledged a generous grant of US$14 million to combat all forms of polioviruses, particularly the Circulating Variant Poliovirus (cVPV2).

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The World Health Organization (WHO), warmly welcomes this commitment, emphasizing the critical role it plays in sustaining the nation’s polio-free status achieved in August 2020 and addressing the persistent challenge posed by cVPV2.

The substantial grant, spanning one year, aims to empower WHO to provide vital technical assistance to the Nigerian government in polio surveillance.

The WHO said, “Despite Nigeria’s previous success in obtaining a wild polio-free certification, the looming threat of cVPV2 necessitates ongoing vigilance and strategic intervention.”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, underscores the broader impact of supporting surveillance, not only for polio but also for enhancing the country’s ability to combat other infectious diseases.

Prof. Pate assures the public that the allocated resources will be utilized to strengthen health security on both national and global fronts.

“Rotary International’s longstanding commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria is evident through various grants approved by the Rotary Foundation Trustees, these funds, totaling over US$13 million, focus on surveillance and technical assistance, with a clear mandate to be fully utilized between March 31, 2024, and 2025.

“Since its initiation in 1985, Rotary International’s dedication to immunizing children globally against polio has led to the creation of the Global Polio Eradication Programme (GPEI), marking it as Rotary’s highest programmatic priority,” he added.

The Minister said with contributions surpassing US$1.5 billion, including substantial support for Nigeria in the last decade, Rotary remains a stalwart partner in the fight against polio.

The WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo acknowledges Rotary International as a core partner and founding leader for GPEI efforts globally.

“The collaborative efforts of the Nigerian government, WHO, and other partners, coupled with Rotary’s unwavering support, continue to sustain the “Zero Wild Polio” status since 2016.

“However, challenges persist, particularly with the circulation of cVPVD2 in some states of the North-West zone,” he added.

Dr. Mulombo affirms WHO’s commitment to work closely with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and State Governments to eliminate the remaining poliovirus circulation by the end of the year.

“WHO, as the implementing partner for polio funding, will deploy resources strategically to eradicate polio, support nationwide surveillance activities, and enhance health systems’ resilience against emerging health threats,” he said.