Anambra Health Commissioner Dr. Afam Obidike has said no child will be left unvaccinated in the state’s ongoing polio campaign.
He urged residents to support efforts to keep Anambra polio-free.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keeping the state polio-free, emphasizing that no child will be left unvaccinated in the ongoing campaign to eradicate the disease.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Health headquarters, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, to mark the 2025 World Polio Day, Dr. Obidike said this year’s theme, “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere,” highlights the importance of ensuring that every child, regardless of where they live, is protected from the virus.
He praised key partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Rotary International, for their unwavering support in the global effort to eliminate polio, describing their collaboration as vital to sustaining progress.
World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, commemorates the birthday of Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first polio vaccine. Dr. Obidike said the occasion serves as a reminder to celebrate achievements, raise awareness, and renew global commitment to eradicating the disease.
While Nigeria was certified free of the Wild Polio Virus (WPV) in August 2020, the commissioner noted that circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Virus type 2 (cVDPV2) still poses a threat in some parts of the country. He stressed that although Anambra has not recorded any case, the risk of reinfection remains high due to interstate travel and trade activities.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue participating actively in immunization campaigns, especially in remote and hard-to-reach communities. “Anambra is committed to finishing the job. Every child must be reached and vaccinated,” he said.
Contributing, the Director of Community Health Services at the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and Director, Awka Local Government, Dr. Ngozi Okeke, called for stronger involvement of the church and faith-based organizations in the fight against polio. She said collective effort and ensuring that “the right people are being reached and educated” are vital to achieving total eradication.
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo; Hospital Administrator of the State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ifeanaeme Frank; and the World Health Organization (WHO) Director in Anambra State, Mr. Bonos Mohammed.
Dr. Obidike concluded by expressing appreciation to all partners, frontline health workers, and volunteers for their relentless dedication. He reiterated that Anambra would continue to mobilize all available resources to sustain surveillance, vaccination, and public awareness efforts until polio is eradicated completely.
