Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian President, has affirmed the ongoing alliance between the federal government and renowned entities aimed at ensuring that all Nigerians receive access to high-quality healthcare.
Tinubu stressed the essential contribution of esteemed institutions such as Rotary International as authentic partners in the concerted endeavors to eradicate polio entirely and alleviate the burden of maternal and infant mortality across the country.
The President made this declaration during a meeting with Rotary International President, Mr. Gordon McLnally, accompanied by his wife, Heather, Rotary’s Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor, and other distinguished Rotarians on Friday in Abuja.
He praised the organization for its wide-ranging interventions in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, notably the provision of a $14 million grant to enable the WHO to offer technical assistance to the Nigerian government in polio surveillance.
“Rotary International has a good reputation for social commitment, not only for the leading role it played in the eradication of polio in Africa but also in addressing other diseases.
”You have saved countless mothers and children. You are also contributing to the growth of local economies by helping nations combat unforeseen diseases and deaths.
“You are doing a great job in the protection of the environment and other areas of humanitarian commitment,” Tinubu said.
The President acknowledged the contributions of volunteers from Rotary clubs in Nigeria who have been instrumental in supporting polio eradication initiatives in the country.
McInally, who lauded Tinubu’s reputation for supporting healthcare interventions for disadvantaged Nigerians, offered honorary Rotary membership to the Nigerian leader.
McLnally highlighted Nigeria’s support for global polio eradication efforts and polio-free status, having been certified as a polio-free nation in 2020.
He said that only 12 polio cases were recorded worldwide in 2023 and were largely concentrated on the Afghan-Pakistani border.
”We have reduced the incidence from over 350,000 cases of polio worldwide every year to only 12 cases last year. We must remain vigilant and continue our efforts in this field.
“Rotarians here in Nigeria are tirelessly working to ensure that children worldwide do not suffer from any crippling disease that can even take their lives,” he said.
McInally reiterated the organization’s commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government on programs aimed at decreasing infant and maternal mortality rates.