Rotary is committed to total eradication of polio in Nigeria – Salau

Razaq Babatunde Salau is the Chairman, World’s Greatest Meals Committee, Rotary International District 9111.  World’s Greatest Meals is another expression of Rotary International’s commitment to eradicate endemic polio in Nigeria through fundraising. Salau spoke with ISAAC TAIWO on the reason Rotary International is not relenting from waging war on the disease that has crippled a lot of destinies. 

For the purpose of understanding by all, what is polio?
POLIO is an infection that causes disability in children and we should not forget that these children are the future of families and the future of any nation, hence, the firm and unalloyed commitment of Rotary International to catch them young.

Unfortunate victims will not be able to act as normal children because of the deformity.  However, it could be prevented right from birth if necessary precautions are taken, which is the reason for this advocacy.

Immunisation is a veritable solution.  Once the right immunisation is given at the right time, the case of polio is nipped in the bud. The reason for this clarion call is that once a child is inflicted with the infection, it can only be managed and the future of the victim hangs in the balance.

Nigeria was declared polio free three years ago; why is there much ado about polio again?
This is the reason it is said that information is key and the full knowledge of this terrible disease is very paramount. Truly, Nigeria was declared polio free three years ago but the prevention cannot be compromised and the only way is continuous immunisation through regular administering of the relevant vaccines.

Secondly, there are two countries where the terrible disease is still prevalent.  They are Afghanistan and Pakistan.  As long as the disease is still domiciled in those two counties, no country in the world is safe.  This is the reason immunisation cannot be stopped but has to continue.

Can you throw light on what the World Greatest Meal is all about?
All about World Greatest Meal is to raise funds for continuous procurement of vaccines for immunisation against polio eradication in Nigeria and to fight the scourge of the disease anywhere it is found in the world.  It is a ceaseless and continuous global war.  Therefore, the World Greatest Meal is an avenue to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation towards the eradication of polio. It is a different avenue, which has to do with meals. It is a battle that concerns every Nigerian as individuals and corporate organisations. Patriots, not only Rotarians, who love our country, their fellow human beings and children, are invited to pay for meals and whatever margin that is made on such meals is directed towards eradication of polio.

This is a project that has been going on for some years in the old District 9110 (which has been divided to District 9110 and District 9111).   However, this is the first time we are having it in District 9111. The initiative was actually taken by a lady known as Suzanne Rair, who was passionate about the eradication of polio and decided to offer meals to people who would pay with the aim of diverting whatever margin made on such meals to the cause of polio eradication.

What is Rotary Foundation and what is the nexus between Rotary Foundation and polio?  
Rotary Foundation is the engine room of Rotary International.  It is through the foundation that projects are implemented all over the world.

Rotarians and non-Rotarians are always encouraged to contribute to these funds because proceeds from these funds are used by the Rotary International to embark on several projects.  Polio eradication is one of such projects that the Rotary International is passionate about.

The fact that we raise funds in Nigeria doesn’t mean it will be for Nigeria.  In most cases, funds raised in Nigeria are not even enough to solve the issues in Nigeria. Therefore, funds from other countries regarded as counterpart funds are also used to sort out some of those issues in Nigeria.

What is the level of government’s involvement in polio eradication?
The government is doing its best through primary health institutions. They have their health personnel that go about sensitising the people.  Since the local government is closer to the people, the government uses that tier to reach out to the people by providing vaccines they administer to those concerned.

We are not ignorant of the fact that the government also has some other health issues to contend with. Rotary is just intervening to keep polio at zero. However, the government can do more by ensuring that the frequency of the advocacy and vaccination exercise is increased.

Government health officers should penetrate into rural areas and ensure that several inaccessible locations are covered.

The government should also increase its funding.

We should not stop the advocacy and administering vaccines, otherwise, polio will come back.

In conclusion, Nigerians, institutions, corporate organisations as well as individuals are expected to key into this exercise with donations made to Rotary International, District 9111, Providus Bank, Accounting Number: 1305946411. The venue of the event that will soon be announced will take place in April 2025.