By Muhammad Amaan
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the Federal Government is committed to partnering with reputable organisations to provide quality healthcare to all Nigerians.
He stated this when he received Rotary International President, Mr Gordon Mclnally, his wife, Heather; Rotary’s Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, Sir Emeka Offor, and other notable Rotarians, in Abuja.
The President said reputable organisations like Rotary International are genuine partners in the ongoing efforts to eradicate all forms of polio and reduce the prevalence of maternal and infant mortality in the country.
He commended the organisation for its various interventions in the country’s health sector, including a new grant of 14 million dollars to enable the World Health Organisation (WHO) to provide technical assistance to the Federal Government on polio surveillance.
The President added, “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.”
President Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of volunteers from Rotary Clubs in Nigeria, who have been instrumental in supporting polio eradication initiatives in the country.
While speaking, McInally thanked Tinubu for supporting healthcare interventions for vulnerable Nigerians and offered him honorary Rotary membership.
He highlighted Nigeria’s support for global polio eradication efforts and polio-free status and recalled that the country was certified polio-free in 2020.
The Rotary President said only 12 polio cases were recorded worldwide in 2023, and were largely concentrated in the Afghan-Pakistani border.
He said, “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.
He reassured that Rotary will continue to collaborate with the FG on programmes and interventions geared toward reducing infant and maternal mortality.
