Soludo’s wife rallies support to end polio in Anambra

The Wife of the Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called for sustained commitment to polio vaccination efforts across the state, in order to consign the disease to history forever.

Soludo made the call on Friday in Awka at a ceremony organised by her office in conjunction with her pet project, Healthy Living Initiative, to mark this year’s World Polio Day, with the theme, “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere”.

Our correspondent reports that the day is commemorated every Oct. 24 to raise awareness on the importance of polio vaccination to protect every child from the devastating disease.

The governor’s wife said that, although Nigeria had made tremendous progress in the fight against polio, it is important not to become complacent.

“We must not let our guards down for any reason.

“To consign polio to history forever, we must sustain the vaccination war and reach every child, no matter where they are,” she said.

Soludo called for renewed public commitment towards sustaining the state’s polio eradication efforts.

“Today, as we join the global community in marking the World Polio Day, we do not only look back at our efforts and successes.

“More importantly, we must renew every effort to protect every child in Anambra from this preventable disease,” she said.

She urged parents, community leaders, civil society organisations and religious groups to rise against the increasing vaccine apathy and misinformation in the state.

She said the polio vaccines are safe, effective and completely free.

“The government will always do its part, but the buck stops at your tables.

“Every child must get adequately vaccinated to stay free from this dangerous disease,” Soludo said.

She affirmed the State Government’s continued partnership with health agencies and community stakeholders to ensure Anambra remained polio-free.