By Murtala Muhammad
Dozens of Polio Survivors, government officials, journalists and development partners have staged a roadshow to celebrate this year’s World Polio Day.
The gathering converged on the Bauchi Emir’s Palace, moved down to Yakubun Bauchi road through the Kofar Nassarawa gate, to the Dr Sulaiman Adamu square Bauchi Government House.
The roadshow, symbolises resilience, courage, determination and the struggle all polio survivors went through across the state, the country and the globe.
Addressing the congregation, the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya A’isha Bala Mohammed assured the polio survivors that the state government was with them in every step taken.
Aisha Bala Mohammed, represented by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajiya Talatu Musa Gar noted that the presence of polio survivors reminds her of the devastating effects of wild polio and the importance of preventing other children from experiencing similar challenges.
She reaffirmed that the survivors were valued members of the society, and their courage, resilience and determination deserve respect and admiration by all and sundry.
Speaking, the Health Officer, United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, Dr Patrick Akor stressed that strong vaccination programmes strengthen health systems, improve disease surveillance and support other essential health services.
The Executive Director, Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD), Ms Elizabeth Kah who noted that Nigeria was officially certified as Polio-free national, emphasised on the need to ensure children receive lifesaving vaccines to guard them against diseases.
Also speaking, the President of Rotary Club, Bauchi Central District, Ms Comfort Attach called on the state government, parent, caregiver, traditional and religious leader, health worker, and community stakeholders to intensify efforts in championing the fight against polio.
The theme for this year’s World Polio Day is “One day, One Focus: Ending Polio for Good”.