The Commissioner for Health Dr. Vin Udokwu has commended the Rotary International District 9142 Imo State Poliopus Committee for their contributions in eradicating polio in the society.
Dr. Udokwu said this in his office recently when the Committee paid him a courtesy visit.
He appreciated the role of Rotary Club in Health generally especially in Maternal and Child Health, adding that whenever Nigeria will be declared polio free, nobody will forget the Rotary Club International as they are the major crusaders of End Polio in Nigeria and in the whole world.
Speaking earlier, the team leader of the Rotary International District 9142, Dr. Sebastian Okwu who is also the Imo State Coordinator of World Health Organization (WHO) said that the leadership of the club came in commemoration of 2019 World Polio Day and to reaffirm the partnership that he existed between Rotary and the government. Highlighting the successes of the Rotary International in Polio Eradication, Dr. Okwu disclosed that Nigeria has not recorded Polio for the past 38 months, adding that they are waiting on the International Community to certify Nigeria and Africa as Polio Free and that through the efforts of the Rotarians, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative Management Board few weeks ago, declared that Wild Polio Virus type 3 has been eradicated throughout the world.
Adding his voice, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Anthony Igwe appreciated the Rotarians for complimenting the duties of the Ministry of Health by supplying immunization vaccines and as well monitor/supervise the use of the vaccines even at the remotest areas of the State.
In his vote of thanks, the Director of Public Health Dr. Austin Okeji thanked the Rotary Club for advancing their role in keeping polio at zero level and for their wonderful partnership with the Ministry of Health.
Highpoint of the visit was donation of one thousand, two hundred (1,200) pieces of customized Apron to be used by Health workers during routine immunization activities.
