The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has advocated for the eradication of polio, emphasizing that such an achievement would signify a monumental step towards fulfilling the rights of children globally.
The Socio Policy Manager/Program Manager, Unicef Lagos Field Office, Mr. Mohammed Okorie made this statement during an ongoing Polio Vaccine Meeting with Demand Generation Partners on Strengthening Routine Immunization (RI) in the states under Lagos Field Office comprising Oyo, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo in Lagos.
He said, the eradication of polio would directly contribute to the fundamental rights of children health and survival.
According to him, “polio, a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease, has long been a scourge to children’s health worldwide.”
“The eradication of polio is more than just a public health victory; it is a crucial step towards realizing the rights of children worldwide.”
“It ensures their right to health, enhances access to quality healthcare, supports their educational and developmental needs, promotes equality and inclusion, and strengthens global solidarity.”
Okorie stressed that, this spirit of collaboration not only aids in eradicating polio but also sets a precedent for addressing other global health challenges affecting children.
The eradication of polio would symbolize a triumph in public health and underscore the importance of immunization programs.
As UNICEF continues to champion the eradication of polio, the world must recognize that this achievement will have far-reaching implications, significantly contributing to the fulfillment of children’s rights as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, he concluded.
In his opening remarks, the Programme Director, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Oyo State, Mr. Rotimi Babalola said, the global efforts to eradicate polio represents a significant act of international cooperation and solidarity.
According to him, children with disabilities often face stigmatization and discrimination, which can marginalize them within their communities.
Babalola stressed that, the polio eradication initiative, involving organizations like UNICEF, and various governments, exemplifies how global partnerships can work towards a common goal that benefits all children.
By eradicating polio, the stigma associated with polio-induced disabilities would diminish, promoting greater inclusion and equality for all children, irrespective of their physical abilities, he concluded.
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