John Hewko, Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of Rotary International and Rotary Foundation, stated the organisation has spent over $3 billion on global polio eradication since 1985. The funds were raised from donors, individuals, and corporate groups worldwide. He made the announcement on Wednesday in Benin, noting that 2029 is the current target for complete eradication of the disease.

Hewko identified religious and cultural beliefs, misinformation, and insecurity as major obstacles to eliminating polio. He emphasized that misinformation remains a significant challenge, not only in northern Nigeria but also in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Rotarians, he said, continue to raise funds, advocate for immunization, and vaccinate children.

"We are in this until we finish the job," Hewko said. "We will stay in the fight until we eradicate polio." He explained that despite polio being eradicated in all but two countries, global vaccination must continue until the virus is fully eliminated. Reaching every child, especially in conflict-affected areas, remains a critical part of the strategy.

Rotary Governor of District 9141, covering Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, Rotarian Anthony Woghiren, announced the election of Rotarian Adeyinka Babalola as the next Global President of Rotary International. Woghiren noted the organisation has supported skill acquisition programmes for underprivileged individuals.

Rotary International, founded in the USA in 1905, has about 46,000 clubs globally, with approximately 6,000 members in Nigeria, the highest number on the African continent.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

John Hewko claims Rotary will stay in the polio fight until eradication, yet sets a 2029 deadline that implies a timed exit. The organisation has spent $3 billion since 1985 but still faces the same barriers of misinformation and insecurity. If progress relies on reaching every child, a deadline contradicts the promise of staying until the job is done. Nigerians in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states may question how sustained the effort will be if timelines take priority over outcomes.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →