The Rotary Club International, Bauchi Central, has embarked on massive sensitisation of Bauchi residents on polio routine immunisation to mark the 2022 World Polio Day.

Speaking during the sensitisation in Bauchi on Monday, Mr Chukwunonso Nwobi, said the sensitisation was to also make the people of the state embrace the vaccination against the dreaded disease.

“The fight against polio is a continuous one. We have been certified polio free but we need to care for polio survivors and we also need to create awareness that people should accept the polio vaccine.

READ ALSO: Rotary Club Not A Religious Organisation, Secret Society, Says President

“There are some norms and customs that kick against the vaccines but we are coming out to create awareness that these vaccines are safe.

The condition we are seeing the polio survivors today is something that we can prevent. It’s something that we can avert,” he said.

Nwobi called on the members of the public to also join the club because, saying “humanitarian service is what carry out”.

The president also encouraged every knowledgeable individual to spread the message that the fight against polio is a continuous one.

“Polio is at zero and should remain at zero,” said Nwobi.

Also speaking, Mr Pam Dauda, the state Polio Representative, Rotary Club International, Bauchi Central, said despite the fact that there is non-compliance to vaccines in some places, all hands must be on the deck to overcome the challenge.

He pleaded with the state Ministry of Health to continue priotising immunisation which he said was the most important measure to keep the children safe at all situations.

“It is our desire to stop polio and continue with our routine immunisation which will definitely take care of our children and our economy, our state are going to be better off.

He lauded the Commissioner for Health for his continuous support and collaboration with Rotary club in the state on health related issues.

In his address, the state Commissioner for Health, Mr Sabiu Gwalabe, said that the state has been achieving the 95% bench mark in all conducted supplementary immunisation

According to him, these are very important indicators in maintaining Polio Free status.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continue working with all partners in the space of Global Polio Eradication Initiative to ensure that every child is vaccinated.

READ ALSO: Rotary Club Donates Wheelchairs To Polio Survivors In Bauchi

Abdullahi Adamu who spoke on behalf of all, stressed the need for government to apply stringent measures in ensuring that parents present their children for polio immunisation through sustainable education and sensitisation.

“We are not happy seeing ourselves the way we are due to negligence. Everything possible must be done to save future generations from being affected by the polio virus,” he said.

The World Polio Day is marked annually on October 24, providing an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio-free world, and to honour the unwavering commitment of those on the frontlines of the fight to eradicate polio.