World Polio Day: Rotary celebrates 99.9% drop in global polio cases

The Rotary International District 9127 has announced global polio cases decrease by 99.9 per cent since 1988, marking a historic health milestone.

Dr Joy Nky Okoro, Governor of Rotary District 9127, made this known during a press briefing to commemorate World Polio Day 2025 on Monday in Abuja.

Our correspondent, reports that this year’s World Polio Day theme is “Finishing the Job: Our Legacy for a Polio-Free World.’’

Okoro emphasised that Rotary International had led the global fight against polio for decades, remaining deeply committed to ending the disease permanently across all continents.

She noted that as a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Rotary had raised 2.6 billion dollars, deployed volunteers and driven global awareness campaigns since the effort began.

She highlighted that Rotary’s 1.4 million members worldwide have dedicated countless volunteers’ hours to help deliver life-saving polio vaccines to children.

According to her, progress is clear; polio cases have dropped by 99.9 per cent since 1988, with wild poliovirus now remaining endemic in only two countries of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“More than three billion children have been vaccinated, preventing an estimated 20 million cases of paralysis and significantly reducing the disease’s impact globally,” she said.

In Nigeria, she said that the country had successfully eliminated wild poliovirus, a major milestone achieved through years of coordinated national and international efforts.

“This progress shows what is possible when governments, organisations and communities unite toward a common goal,” Okoro noted.

She cautioned that in spite eliminating wild poliovirus, vaccine-derived strains continued to pose threats in communities with low immunisation coverage and weak healthcare infrastructure.

Okoro said that Rotary District 9127 was hosting the 2025 national event, starting with a press conference and followed by various week-long impactful programmes.

“Activities will include outreach at Wuse Market, visits to the National Assembly, advocacy campaigns and mass immunisations across communities in the Federal Capital Territory,” she added.

She urged media organisations to amplify awareness, share progress stories and emphasise the urgent need for sustained financial support towards polio eradication efforts.

Appreciating all levels of government and partners, Okoro encouraged them to strengthen primary healthcare systems and prioritise routine immunisation for every child.

She further called on Nigerian families to ensure that all children were vaccinated, protecting their communities and helping secure a polio-free future for generations