Nigeria has received a grant sum of $14 million from Rotary International as support for the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio in the country.
The grant was presented to Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Finance and Social Welfare by the Chairman of the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, Past District Governor Joshua Hassan, alongside other members of the committee which includes the District Governor, Rotary International, District 9110, Rtn. Ifeyinwa Ejezie in Abuja on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024.
During the presentation, PDG Hassan clarified that the grant which was facilitated through the World Health Organization (WHO) is designated for surveillance and providing technical assistance to the ministry as part of its polio eradication initiatives.
PDG Hassan shared the breakdown of the grants, stating that the Rotary Foundation Trustees approved a $2,675,000.00 grant in January 2023 for polio eradication in Nigeria through WHO Nigeria for Surveillance. Another grant of $4,514,785, dated October 20, 2023, was approved for surveillance by WHO. Additionally, on January 10, 2024, a grant of $6,848,002 was approved for technical assistance, bringing the total to US$ 14,037,787.
He further highlighted Rotary's longstanding commitment, revealing that the organization has contributed over $1.5 billion to date towards ending polio, with more than $500 million dedicated to supporting polio eradication activities in Nigeria over the last decade. He affirmed Rotary's dedication, through the Nigeria National Polio Plus Committee, to continue supporting polio eradication and routine immunization in Nigeria.
Professor Ali Pate, while responding, expressed gratitude to Rotary International for its crucial role in Nigeria's success in curbing wild polio transmission and commended the organization for its global efforts. He emphasized the broader impact of supporting surveillance, stating that strengthening surveillance capabilities also enhances the country's ability to anticipate and respond to other infectious diseases threatening national and global security.
He assured the Rotarians that the resources would be effectively utilized to enhance health security in Nigeria.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, on his part, commended Rotary International for its generous donation and emphasized the need to reinforce efforts on surveillance and border surveillance until Nigeria achieves its goal of eradicating the polio virus.
Dr. Mulombo urged the government to ensure effective use of the funds, maintaining transparency and accountability in line with established principles. He also assured that the WHO would monitor the use of funds to prevent any misconduct, including sexual exploitation, in connection with campaign and surveillance activities funded by the grant.