Bauchi Marks World Polio Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Global Eradication Efforts

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed unwavering commitment to the global fight against polio, describing the disease as one that struck fear into families across continents, but is now on the brink of eradication.

The Executive Chairman Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board Dr. Rilwanu, represented by the State Incident Manager, Emergency Operations Center, Dr Sufyan Ahmed Jibrin,made this known during the 2025 World Polio Day celebration in Bauchi, which featured a road walk through major streets in the metropolis.

He attributed the tremendous progress recorded in the fight against polio to decades of commitment, innovation, and collaboration between the Bauchi State Government, development partners, and dedicated health workers who continue to deliver vaccines door-to-door, even in difficult terrains.

He said, Polio remains a threat in some parts of the world, saying governments and partners must remain steadfast through robust surveillance, rapid outbreak response, and strengthened routine immunization systems.

Dr. Rilwanu emphasized that delivering a polio-free world is not only a moral responsibility but also a smart investment in the health and security of future generations. He called on governments, partners, and communities to recommit to the progress made by honoring the dedication of health workers, community leaders, and families who have made the eradication efforts possible.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Social Behavior Change Manager, Mr. Panchanan Achari, said World Polio Day is an opportunity to celebrate progress and renew collective commitment to ensuring that no child is left unprotected, especially those in remote and underserved communities.

Mr. Achari described vaccines as “safe, effective, and essential,” noting that every dose not only prevents polio but also strengthens health systems and protects children from other preventable diseases.

He commended the presence of U-Reporters, describing young people as active leaders whose voices inspire governments and partners to build a future where every child grows up free from polio and its lifelong consequences.

Achari also urged governments and partners to keep polio eradication at the forefront of national and local health priorities, and to integrate immunization with nutrition, water and sanitation (WASH), and maternal care programs to promote overall child health.

In his remarks, President of Rotary Club of Bauchi Central, Mr. Adeyemi Adekunle, highlighted Rotary’s long-standing commitment to peacebuilding, disease prevention, sanitation, maternal and child health, and economic development.

He reaffirmed Rotary’s continued support for the global fight against polio, adding that the Bauchi road walk was organized to honor the resilience of polio survivors.

He said, Rotary will continue to stand with polio survivors and work toward a polio-free world.

The World Polio Day celebration in Bauchi featured a road walk from the Emir’s Palace through Karofin Madaki Street, Kofar Dumi, Tudun Yarima, Bakaro, and concluded at the Bayan Fada Primary Health Centre.

The event was attended by government officials, UNICEF and WHO representatives, Rotarians, and polio survivors, all united in their resolve to end polio for good.