2024 World Polio Day: Health Commissioner, BmAkintola, Urges Recommitment to a Polio-Free World

By Segilola Babalola, 

As the world observes World Polio Day on October 24th, Osun State Government has  joined global efforts to commemorate the occasion .

The year 2024  theme of the celebration is" End Polio Now".

Speaking at the event held at the Ministry of Health, Osogbo,  Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, described polio as a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease that has plagued communities worldwide for far too long.

The Commissioner highlighted that health practitioners in Osun have worked tirelessly to strengthen the Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance system by training healthcare workers, improving reporting mechanisms, and enhancing coordination with partners. 

Barr. Akintola urged everyone to remain vigilant and  continue surveillance efforts to ensure that every child receives the life-saving polio vaccine. 

In separate goodwill messages, the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi, represented by Dr. Oluyemi Ogundun; the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ojediran; and a representative of the Red Cross Society, Tolulope Ogunleye, highlighted the devastating effects of polio on human lives. They commended the health workers in the state for their relentless efforts in eradicating polio and encouraged them to continue their work to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.

They also noted that for more than two years, Osun State has not recorded a single case of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (CVPV2), a testament to the state government's commitment to eradicating the disease.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry,  Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, emphasized the importance of the day, noting that, despite Nigeria being polio-free, there is still the need for continued case surveillance.

Dr. Adekunle also acknowledged the efforts of the World Health Organization and other partners for their significant contributions to healthcare in the state.

In his closing remarks, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Akeem Bello, expressed gratitude to all participants, particularly the state government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, for their unwavering efforts to ensure the health and well-being of the people of Osun State.