The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that two
cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) have been detected in Nigeria.
The cases, which were
reported in the north-eastern state of Borno, are the first in the
country since July 2014.
Although this is a
setback in our fight to rid the world of polio, we are confident that
Rotarians across Great Britain and Ireland will redouble their efforts
and continue to show the incredible levels of dedication, commitment and
resilience which have brought us so far over the last three decades.
Eve Conway,
Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland President commented:
“This is disappointing news, but Rotarians are determined to keep up the
fight against polio and to reach our number one goal of ridding the world
of this crippling disease. We shall continue our advocacy work and our
efforts to raise awareness and funds to end polio now and forever.
We have just launched
the Purple4Polio
campaign in Britain and Ireland and urge support of
this campaign as we strengthen our efforts to reach a polio free world.”
Nigeria had gone over
two years without any cases of wild poliovirus and as eradication nears
completion, the poliovirus is expected to fight back. However, WHO
remain confident that Nigeria can end polio. The Nigerian government and
the polio programme are working quickly to respond to the outbreak using
proven tactics that will prevent further spread of the disease.
Michael K. McGovern, International PolioPlus Chair, commented: “This response will
include emergency vaccination campaigns to boost immunity in impacted and
at-risk areas, and reinforced surveillance activities to ensure we detect
all strains of polio. Because polio knows no borders, steps will also be
taken to protect surrounding countries, to ensure all children are
vaccinated and to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease.”
To read Michael K.
McGovern's full statement, visit the Rotary
International website, or to find out more about the
news, visit the World Health Organization website.
