As part of efforts to eradicate polio in Lagos communities, the Rotary Club of Akoka, in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria (APHPN), Lagos Branch, organised a polio awareness and immunisation campaign for community dwellers in Makoko, Yaba, Lagos.
The awareness campaign, according to Rotary Club of Akoka President, Rtn. (Dr.) Doyin Ogunyemi was aimed at preventing polio as well as raising awareness of the importance of immunisation while providing vaccines to children in the community.
She stressed the need for a shared commitment and collective responsibility to eradicate this preventable disease.
She stated, “Overcoming polio is not just about health; it is about ensuring justice and equality for every child, giving them the chance to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
“For over 35 years, Rotary has been dedicated to eradicating polio. I therefore urged parents and guardians to take the required steps to immunise their children.
“This project represented more than just a health intervention, but a continuation of Rotary’s decades-long efforts to eliminate polio from the world.
“The Rotary Club of Akoka, together with its partners, remains committed to this global cause, ensuring that future generations are protected from the crippling effects of polio.”
The keynote speaker, Dr Anire Chima-Oduko, a public health physician and executive director of the Healthy Pink Initiative, highlighted the significance of immunisation in the global fight against polio.
She encouraged parents and guardians to ensure their eligible children were vaccinated.
The Medical Officer of Health, Dr Sekinat Oredein, reminded the participants of the importance of vaccination in preventing diseases and promoting health.
A polio survivor, Ms Debbie Nuatin, also recounted her survival journey and emphasised the need for all children to be vaccinated.
The Iya Oloja of Better Life Market, Alhaja Modupe Kaosara, appreciated the officers of the Rotary Club for bringing such an important programme their way and thanked the group for distributing personal hygiene items to the market men and women in attendance
The health workers from Yaba LCDA were on-site, ensuring that all eligible children and adults received necessary vaccinations.
At the event, personal hygiene items were also distributed to the market men and women who were in attendance.
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