The President of Rotary International Francesco Arezzo, has stressed that Nigeria must sustain between 90 and 97 percent vaccination coverage among children under five to completely eliminate polio and prevent vaccine derived infections.

Mr Arezzo made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing journalists at the close of his seven day visit to Nigeria.

Although Nigeria was certified polio free in 2020, a development that paved the way for Africa’s polio free status, he warned that vaccine derived strains of the virus remain a threat in areas with low immunisation coverage.

According to him, maintaining high population immunity through consistent vaccination with the newer, more stable oral polio vaccine is critical to stopping transmission.

He said eradicating polio is achievable but requires sustained effort, noting that vaccine derived cases thrive only where immunity gaps exist.

Polio, he explained, is now endemic in just two countries, and , while global cases of vaccine derived poliovirus are declining, including in Nigeria.

He urged the Federal Government, partners and communities to sustain collaboration until eradication is achieved, warning that abandoning the campaign prematurely could reverse gains recorded over the years.

Mr Arezzo also acknowledged Nigeria’s contribution to Africa’s certification as polio free in 2020, describing it as a product of long term commitment and cooperation among governments, health workers and development partners.

Reflecting on the global campaign, he recalled that when eradication efforts began in 1975 and later with the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1985, some regions were considered nearly impossible to reach. However, he said persistent collaboration proved otherwise.

He further highlighted the sacrifices made in the course of the campaign, revealing that 76 people have lost their lives in Nigeria since 2012 during polio vaccination activities, while 382 vaccinators were killed in Pakistan.

He said the most meaningful way to honour them is to complete the eradication campaign.

During his visit to a primary healthcare centre in Area 2, Garki, Abuja, Mr Arezzo and his wife administered oral polio drops to children, underscoring Rotary’s continued frontline involvement.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, Joshua Hassan, confirmed two recent vaccine derived polio cases in Kebbi State and reported the deaths of two volunteers linked to security challenges.

He dismissed suggestions of dwindling commitment among Rotarians, attributing concerns instead to volunteer fatigue. He added that Rotary is working to expand outreach to underserved communities, particularly in parts of the North East.

He said the country is 99.9 percent close to eradication and must complete the task.

Also speaking, Joy Okoro, District Governor 9127, said the visit aimed to review Nigeria’s utilisation of Rotary global grants and reinforce commitment to eradication efforts, especially in states reporting emerging vaccine derived cases.