The world is close to wiping out polio — but Rotary International says at least 90–97% of children under five must be immunised to finish the job.
The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, has called for a global immunisation rate of at least 90 to 97 percent among children under five to completely eradicate polio.
Speaking in Abuja after a briefing from the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee, Arezzo stressed that high vaccination coverage remains the only path to total elimination of the virus.
He celebrated Africa’s 2020 certification as polio-free — once thought impossible — noting that both Africa and India overcame huge odds through sustained collaboration.
But the fight isn’t over.
Polio remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, though confined to small regions. Nigeria and some other countries have also recorded cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, although numbers are declining thanks to a more stable vaccine now in use.
Arezzo paid tribute to fallen vaccination workers — 76 in Nigeria between 2012 and 2025, and 382 in Pakistan — describing their sacrifices as a reminder that the campaign must be completed.
He identified misinformation and community resistance as major hurdles, urging stronger engagement with religious and traditional leaders, as well as social media influencers, to counter disinformation.
As part of his visit, Arezzo administered symbolic polio drops to babies at a primary health clinic in Area 2, Abuja, calling each vaccination “a step toward eradication.”
Joshua Hassan, Chairman of the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee, said advocacy efforts across government and communities had brought Nigeria close to total eradication, though insecurity and nomadic population tracking remain challenges in some states.
District Governor 9127, Dame Joy Okoro, said the fight must continue despite Nigeria’s polio-free certification, noting that new births mean vaccination efforts cannot slow down.
Health officials also praised Rotary’s role in mobilising mothers and sustaining awareness.
The message is clear: the world is close — but only sustained, high immunisation coverage will deliver the final victory.
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