Rotary has vowed to redouble its efforts to rid the world of polio following the news that two cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) have been confirmed in Nigeria by the World Health Organization and the Nigerian government.
The cases, which were reported in the north-eastern state of Borno, are the first cases in the country since July 2014.
After going two years without cases of wild poliovirus, Nigeria had been removed from the list of polio-endemic countries and the detection of new cases is a setback for the eradication of the disease. The Nigerian government and the polio programme are working quickly to respond to the outbreak using proven tactics that will prevent further spread of the disease.
Michael K. McGovern, International PolioPlus Chair, commented: “This response will include emergency vaccination campaigns to boost immunity in impacted and at-risk areas, and reinforced surveillance activities to ensure we detect all strains of polio. Because polio knows no borders, steps will also be taken to protect surrounding countries, to ensure all children are vaccinated and to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease.”
Rotary, including members in Great Britain and Ireland, who have shown such dedication in the fight to eradicate polio for the last three decades, will continue be resilient and committed in the face of this setback.
Eve Conway, Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland President commented: “This is disappointing news, but Rotarians are determined to keep up the fight against polio and to reach our number one goal of ridding the world of this crippling disease. We shall continue our advocacy work and our efforts to raise awareness and funds to end polio now and forever.
We have just launched the Purple4Polio campaign in Britain and Ireland and urge support of this campaign as we strengthen our efforts to reach a polio free world.”
To read Michael K. McGovern’s full statement, visit the Rotary International website, or to find out more about the news, visit the World Health Organization website.
Published: Friday 12th August 2016
