The march took place on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with members of Rotary Club Rwanda and its partners starting from Amahoro Stadium to Tennis Club in Nyarutarama.
The event was attended by Dr. Kayondo King, a member of the Government appointed Committee for polio eradication, and Dr. Langa Nelia, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Alex Muderevu, head of the Polio Eradication Commission at Rotary Club Rwanda and a physician, stated that while polio has been eliminated in Rwanda, efforts to combat it have not ceased.
He said, 'Although polio has not been present in Rwanda since 1993, we aim to emphasize the need for constant vigilance, as the disease is still present in other countries. We must strengthen our advocacy to enhance prevention, especially since we interact with these other countries.'
He explained that polio is generally transmitted through food or drink contaminated with the virus, primarily affecting children under five and others with low immunity. Once contracted, polio often leaves the arms or legs paralyzed, resulting in disability.
Muderevu urged the public to maintain hygiene as a preventive measure and to vaccinate all children, noting that there are sufficient vaccines available as a primary defence against the disease.
Carole Karema, representing the District Governor of Rotary District 9150, which includes Rwanda, expressed pride in the organization's efforts to fight polio globally and particularly in Rwanda.
She said, 'For the past 35 years, Rotary International has been engaged in the fight against polio worldwide. We are over 1.4 million members, each contributing $25 annually to combat the disease.'
She added that the funds collected by Rotary Club are used to support government efforts in purchasing polio vaccines and to finance awareness campaigns in various areas to promote prevention.
She noted that the ten countries in Rotary District 9150, including Rwanda, are currently raising $60,000 to intensify the fight against polio.
Karema also praised the collaboration between the Rwandan government, Rotary Club, and partners such as WHO and UNICEF in combating polio in the country.
Suman Alla, Deputy Governor of Rotary District 9150 in Rwanda, highlighted Rotary International's commitment to fighting polio as one of the diseases that can severely impact human health, with Rotary having invested around $2.1 billion globally over the past 35 years.
He added that Rotary International has helped to vaccinate over 3.1 million children against polio, and the campaign to completely eradicate the disease worldwide continues.
To declare a country polio-free, at least three consecutive years without new cases must be observed.
Globally, polio remains present in Pakistan and Afghanistan, while in Africa, many countries have eradicated it, though a few have not officially been declared polio-free.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/social/article/rotary-club-rwanda-holds-polio-walk-to-raise-awareness
