The Ministry of Health has appealed to Rotarians to prioritize the fight against Polio in their programs because it is still silently affecting Ugandans.

According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda got a setback in its efforts to end Polio, by getting a confirmation of an isolated Polio virus in May this year, which was confirmed from the collected sewage that spilled from Kenya yet the country had last received a Polio case in December 1999 in Mukono.

A focal person from the Ministry of Health who also doubles as the National Professional Officer for the Expanded Programme on Immunization at the World Health Organization, Dr. Annet Kisakye noted that there is need for joint efforts to completely end Polio in Uganda.

Kisakye who was giving a keynote address during the commemoration of the World Polio Day organized by Rotarians from District 9213 and District 9214 at Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi noted that there is need to mobilize Ugandans to immunize and vaccinate their children against Polio because it’s still a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Meanwhile, Rotarian Ann Nkuutu, the District Governor of District 9213 asked Rotarians to know that it’s important to mobilize their clubs to get involved in the country’s efforts geared towards eradicating Polio.

Patrick Ford Ruchera, the President of Rotary Club of Kampala Springs who hosted the World Polio Day celebrations noted that they are working towards mobilizing their members to contribute towards eradicating Polio by paying their commitment fees in order to meet the set target that is always remitted to the Rotary Foundation.

By Charles Katabalwa

25 Oct 2024

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