As part of activities lined up to mark the 2018 world polio day, the Rotary International Awka District 9142 has embarked on a free immunization exercise in Isuaniocha, Awka North Local Government Area.

The exercise which commenced with advocacy visits, and awareness campaign within Isuaniocha community, was aimed at sensitizing the public on the need for children under the age of five to be immunized against polio.

Speaking on the occasion, the Pioneer Governor of Rotary International, District 9142, Dr Emman Ude-Akpeh who noted that the struggle was to bring polio cases to zero in Nigeria, called on Government and other affluent Nigerians to put more efforts as the desired result will soon be realized.

Also speaking Rotarian Onyinye Ralph Nwachukwu who is the Assistant Regional coordinator Zone Twenty A, English, speaking African countries, who assured that Nigeria will be certified polio free
barely nine months from now by the world Health organization, called on parents to always ensure that their children from zero to five years are immunized often against polio to ensure their safety.

In a remark, the Assistant Governor Rotary International Zone Eight, Mr Nnaemeka Chukwuemeka, while commending members of the Club, for their commitment noted that Rotary International is the highest sponsor of polio eradication around the globe.

He also commended Governor Willie Obiano for his commitment to disease prevention and control.

Rotarian Tochi Amalu who is the President Rotary Club of Awka Main while speaking on behalf of other Presidents of the Club within the zone including Awka GRA, Awka Central, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, among others, called for all hands to be on deck to help eradicate polio.

The President-General of Isuaniocha community, Mr Tony Onyeagolu while receiving the group expressed satisfaction with their humanitarian services and assured them of his support and contribution in making their dream a reality.

The President-General was honoured as an Ambassador of Polio Eradication by the Club while over fifty children received free oral polio vaccine during the exercise.

Polio also known as infantile paralysis, is a highly infectious viral disease that may attack the central nervous system and is characterized by symptoms ranging from a mild non paralytic infection to total paralysis in a matter of hours.