The Rotary International Foundation has pledged over $300 million to Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, reaffirming its commitment to combating the disease.
This announcement was made by the chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees, Mark Maloney, during a symbolic immunization event at Jahi Clinic and Primary Health Centre in Abuja.
Maloney, a former president of Rotary International, praised the collaboration between the Rotary Foundation and the Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, highlighting the importance of their collective fight against polio variants.
Addressing Polio Variants in Nigeria
Maloney acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in tackling variant poliovirus type 2, with 92 cases reported in 2024 alone. These cases, concentrated in Northwestern states such as Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto, have raised concerns.
“We commend the Nigerian government for its previous success in eradicating wild polio in 2020. However, variant strains demand renewed attention. If we address these last cases effectively, polio can be removed from the nation’s health agenda,” Maloney stated.
Strategic Funding and Collaboration
He clarified that Rotary’s funding is channeled through the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, rather than directly to the Nigerian government.
The International Polio Plus Committee is set to meet on January 29–30 to finalize funding allocations, which could total up to $50 million annually.
Additionally, $2 million has already been allocated for the “Healthy Families in Nigeria” programme, aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates by encouraging births in medical facilities.
Maloney reported promising results, with facility-based births increasing significantly in some districts.
Continued Commitment to Global Health
Maloney reiterated that polio eradication remains Rotary Foundation’s top global priority. He emphasized the need for rapid responses to outbreaks, likening the evolution of poliovirus variants to COVID-19 mutations.
Joshua Hassan, past District Governor and chairman of the Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, also emphasized the importance of swift immunization campaigns to curb the spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus strains.
“Rotary Nigeria is fully committed to eliminating variant strains just as we did with wild poliovirus. Our strategy is to deploy immediate immunizations in affected areas to prevent further spread,” Hassan explained.
Rotary’s Engagement in Nigeria
As part of his visit, Maloney symbolically administered polio vaccines to children and participated in a town hall meeting with Nigerian Rotarians. He also plans to visit Lagos for further engagements.
This substantial investment highlights the critical role of collaboration in global health. Nigerians are encouraged to support immunization efforts to protect future generations from polio.
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