Mohammed Shosanya
The World Health Organization’s Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti,has emphasized the need for a renewed commitment to eradicate Polio in Africa,saying the continent is on the cusp of a major milestone in the fight against the virus.
In her World Polio Day 2024 message, Dr. Moeti celebrated significant progress, including Madagascar’s one-year streak without detecting circulating variant poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) and the successful containment of the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) outbreak in Southern Africa.
She cautioned that challenges persist in regions like the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel, where circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) remains a threat.
To overcome these hurdles, she emphasized the importance of strong political commitment, enhanced surveillance, and high-quality vaccination campaigns.
Dr. Moeti stressed that success requires sustained efforts and vigilance, stating, “Our success is not just Africa’s it is the world’s. Together, we can attain a polio-free future.”
She urged governments, partners,and communities to recommit to eradicating polio and supporting frontline health workers.
