Bauchi Govt Reaffirms Commitment To Global Polio Eradication, Commends Partners
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi state government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the global fight against polio, describing the disease as one that once struck fear into families worldwide but is now on the verge of eradication.
The executive chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed stated this during the 2025 World Polio Day celebration in Bauchi yesterday which featured a road walk through major streets in the metropolis.
Dr. Rilwanu credited the remarkable progress made in polio eradication to decades of dedication, innovation, and collaboration among the Bauchi State Government, development partners, and committed health workers who continue to deliver vaccines door-to-door, often in difficult terrains.
Represented by the State Incident Manager at the Emergency Operations Center, Rilwanu warned that "Polio remains a threat in some parts of the world," emphasising the need for governments and partners to remain vigilant through robust surveillance, rapid outbreak response, and strengthened routine immunization systems.
He further noted that achieving a polio-free world is not only a moral responsibility but also a strategic investment in the health and security of future generations.
Dr. Rilwanu called on governments, partners, and communities to honor the dedication of health workers, community leaders, and families who have kept the eradication efforts alive.
Also speaking, Social Behavior Change Manager of UNICEF, Mr. Panchanan Achari, described World Polio Day as a moment to celebrate global progress and renew collective commitment to ensuring no child is left unprotected, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Achari highlighted vaccines as safe, effective, and essential, noting that each dose not only prevents polio but also strengthens health systems and shields children from other preventable diseases.
He commended the participation of U-Reporters, describing young people as active leaders whose voices inspire governments and partners to build a future where every child grows up free from polio and its lifelong consequences.
He urged governments and partners to keep polio eradication at the forefront of health priorities, integrating immunization with nutrition, water and sanitation (WASH), and maternal care programs to improve overall child health.
For his part, Mr. Adeyemi Adekunle, President of the Rotary Club of Bauchi Central, reiterated Rotary's longstanding commitment to peacebuilding, disease prevention, sanitation, maternal and child health, and economic development.
He reaffirmed Rotary’s continued support for the global fight against polio, noting that the Bauchi road walk was organized to honor the resilience of polio survivors.
"Rotary will continue to stand with polio survivors and work toward a polio-free world," Adekunle assured.
The World Polio Day celebration in Bauchi featured a vibrant road walk from the Emir's Palace through Karofin Madaki Street, Kofar Dumi, Tudun Yarima, Bakaro, and concluded at the Bayan Fada Primary Health Centre. The event drew participation from government officials, UNICEF and WHO representatives, Rotarians, and polio survivors, all united in their shared determination to end polio once and for all.
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