Francesco Arezzo, the President of Rotary International, has underscored the importance of immunization in the global fight against polio, particularly highlighting efforts in Nigeria. During a press briefing in Abuja, he expressed his organization's aim for a substantial immunization coverage of 90 to 97 percent among children in Nigeria to effectively eliminate the poliovirus and prevent vaccine-derived cases. Arezzo pointed out the ongoing challenge of polio, which remains endemic in only two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan, but lauded Nigeria's efforts in significantly contributing to the continent's polio eradication.

Arezzo emphasized that achieving 'zero dose' of the oral polio vaccine for children is a crucial goal for the Rotary organization. He urged stakeholders, including the Nigerian government and families, to recognize polio eradication as a shared public health responsibility, requiring collective efforts from all sectors of society to succeed. He pointed out that Nigeria's achievements in vaccination efforts can serve as a model for other countries in Africa.

The call to action highlights the need for sustained commitment and collaboration among the government, non-governmental organizations, and the public to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated. Arezzo's remarks are particularly timely as they reinforce the ongoing strategies aimed at safeguarding children's health while addressing the lingering threat of polio, thus boosting the urgency of vaccination campaigns throughout Nigeria and beyond.