From  Adeko Ukpa

Rotary International has spent $3 billion in the fight against poliovirus globally, Michael McGovern, Chair of the Rotary International Polio Plus Committee, has revealed.

The Rotary International Chief, who reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria, urged the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to remain steadfast in prioritizing polio eradication efforts.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Masaka Primary Health Center in Nasarawa State, where he participated in a symbolic polio immunization exercise, McGovern emphasized the importance of continued efforts to protect children from the devastating effects of polio.

“Over the years, we have invested nearly $3 billion. It’s a lot of money, but we are happy to do it because we see the benefit, 20 million children who have not been disabled.

“The biggest impression that everyone has to have here is to see the beautiful children and recognize the importance of their health.

“Ensuring they receive necessary immunizations is vital for them to live healthy lives,” he said.

Despite significant progress, he noted that Nigeria remains at risk, with cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus still being recorded, saying, “While the cases aren’t huge in number, they are crucially important in terms of eradicating this sad, sad disease once and for all”.

He stressed the importance of routine immunization to prevent a resurgence, saying, “The most responsible thing is for everyone to support all routine immunizations, for measles, polio, and many other diseases.

“Immunization strengthens the immune system and protects children from multiple illnesses, not just polio”.

McGovern, however, acknowledged the tireless work of frontline health workers, who venture into difficult terrains to ensure that children receive vaccines.

“We particularly want to acknowledge the frontline workers who go out into the heat, into so many places, and the mothers who make sure their children are immunized.

“It’s life-saving. It makes a difference,” he noted.

McGovern also recognized the contributions of international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, but emphasized the critical role of local communities, noting, “In the end, it’s the local communities that make the difference, ensuring children are immunized and have a healthy future”.

He also underscored the importance of health surveillance, saying, “Laboratories, parents, and local health authorities must remain vigilant. If a child shows signs of illness, parents should take them to health facilities to find out what is going on”.

On Nigeria’s broader immunization efforts, he noted that all countries, including his home country, the United States, could do more, “Nigeria is not unlike the rest of the world. Every country can do more than it is doing now,” he stressed.

However, McGovern reiterated that while polio eradication remains a priority, Rotary International is also committed to supporting broader child and maternal health initiatives.

“The next big project will be determined by Rotarians worldwide. We don’t prescribe top-down solutions; we listen to the needs of local communities,” he said.

Carol Pandak, Director of the Polio Plus Program at Rotary International, echoed McGovern’s sentiments, urging Nigerian communities to prioritize vaccinations.

“I’ve been very impressed with the mothers, children, and the dedication of local health workers.

“The most important thing parents can do is immunize their children, not just against polio but against all vaccine-preventable diseases,” she said.

By Adeko Ukpa

African Telescope reports that the Rotary International, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, has launched a US$9million initiative to improve healthcare services, in Nigeria, starting in Kebbi State

The gesture, according to a statement by RI, in Abuja, is in response to the continued threat of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases to children under five in the country.

The international humanitarian organization said the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge is aimed to reduce Malaria, Pneumonia, and Diarrheal Diseases by Strengthening Community Health Systems.

“As part of the broader Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge’ (RHCC), the Nigeria program, guided by the Federal Ministry of Health, will address the specific health needs in Kebbi State and one additional state to be determined at a later stage.

“Over 2,750 community health workers will be trained and deployed to provide essential diagnosis, treatment, and care for malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, significantly reducing childhood mortality in these regions.

“Rotary is committed to improving health outcomes by empowering communities,” said Dr. Aloysius Dele Balogun, Rotary Country Committee Lead in Nigeria and member of the Rotary Club Agege. “Through this initiative, we are equipping our community healthcare workers with the tools and training necessary to deliver life-saving services right where they are needed the most.”

He added that over the next three years, Rotary members, in partnership with PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health)

would work closely with government at central and local levels, along with community leaders, to enhance health systems, “aiming to reach an estimated 3.5 million people in 700,000 households in the target states.”

He said the program would  also foster community engagement and raise awareness on the importance of early disease treatment, while improving data collection and management practices for accurate health reporting and informed decision-making.

“By empowering community health workers and strengthening local healthcare systems, this initiative in Kebbi State can significantly reduce preventable deaths from malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea,” said Dr. Obinna Onyekwena, Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Advocacy at the Gates Foundation. “The Gates Foundation is proud to partner with Rotary and PATH on this crucial step towards a healthier future for children in Nigeria.”

The Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge, according to the statement, is a multi-country initiative aimed at strengthening community health systems and reducing childhood mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.

By focusing on malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases, the program seeks to create sustainable health improvements in Nigeria, as well as in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Zambia.

In the latter three countries, Rotary is partnering with World Vision alongside the Gates Foundation to implement the program.

The initiative builds on the success of Rotary’s Programs of Scale ‘Partners for a Malaria-Free Zambia,’ which significantly reduced malaria incidence in targeted districts.

“PATH is privileged to partner with Rotary in support of the Ministry of Health,” said Dr. Ayebatari Lawson, Team Lead for PATH MACEPA (Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership Africa) in Nigeria. “Trained community health workers save lives by detecting and clearing infections early. Through their work, the health system is strengthened with local, timely and quality disease data.”

The statement added that “Rotary members throughout the world develop and implement sustainable, community-driven projects that fight disease, promote peace, provide clean water, support education, help mothers and children, grow local economies and protect the environment.

“Over the last 100 years, US $5.5 billion has been awarded through The Rotary Foundation – Rotary’s charitable arm that helps clubs work together to perform meaningful, impactful service.”

By Adeko Ukpa

The Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama has made a significant impact by providing free medical outreach to over 1,000 residents of the Galuwyi community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The outreach, organised under the theme of “Family Health Day,” offered a wide array of services, including malaria screening and treatment, HIV testing and counseling, hypertension screening, medical consultations, and the distribution of essential medications.

The event also featured distribution of oral rehydration and deworming drugs for both adults and children, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and sanitary pads for girls.

Governor-Elect of Rotary International District 9127, Dame Princess Joy Okoro,

highlighted the ongoing commitment to the Galuwyi community which is one of the Club’s adopted communities.

“Every year, we come here for this program to assist the community on health matters. You can see the range of medications we’ve brought for malaria, hypertension, and other common ailments. We have dewormed over 100 children here,” she stated.

Okoro went on to explain the workflow of the medical outreach, ensuring that registered participants received comprehensive care: “We have doctors, nurses, and pharmacists on-site, allowing us to manage and treat various health issues as efficiently as a hospital would.”

When asked about the outreach’s focus on Galuwyi community, she explained, “Our goal is to continuously assess and meet the health needs of these populations. The demand for healthcare is always present, and we aim to ensure that our interventions grow with that.”

President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama, Rotarian Rosemond Favour Uche, emphasised the importance of pre-outreach preparations. “We conducted a two-week sensitization campaign to inform the community about our services. Many residents are aware of our annual visits during this time.”

Speaking on the costs incurred for the outreach, Uche estimated the total to be over one million Naira, only counting drugs and logistics.

“While we hoped to see more attendance, we understand farming commitments have kept some residents away. We are here to treat everyone willing to come forward,” she added.

Rotarian Winifred Mbashall, the community service project chair, acknowledged the harsh economic realities many residents face, further stressing the importance of health services: “If people aren’t healthy, they can’t pursue education or other life goals. We must ensure that the community remains healthy to support our collective projects.”

While speaking on the role of government in uplifting the health sector, Mbashall urged for collaboration. “We appeal to the government to equip the health centers we’ve established. Access to medical care must be improved for the community, especially in emergencies. Infrastructure is key, but we also need qualified personnel to make these facilities operational.”

As the event concluded, community members expressed gratitude for the services received, signaling a strong bond between the Rotary Club and the Galuwyi residents.

The outreach serves as an important reminder of the significant role community-based initiatives play in ensuring the health and well-being of citizens in need.