KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Rotary Club of Kisugu Victoria View launched a polio immunization campaign in Kisugu-Namuwongo, vaccinating at least 200 children against the debilitating disease.
Ms. Goretti Masadde, country chair for District 9214’s polio programs, emphasized the importance of immunization. “The reason we are immunizing for polio is because polio has no cure. It paralyzes and cripples, especially children under five. And it can’t be cured when somebody gets it, but it can only be prevented.”
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October is observed as Polio Awareness Month, culminating in World Polio Day on October 24. Masadde stressed the significance of this initiative. “Polio anywhere is polio everywhere. We must increase awareness and immunize children nationwide.”
Recently, Uganda’s eastern region reported polio cases, prompting door-to-door immunization efforts. Masadde highlighted Rotary’s collaboration with health authorities. “We know that there’s been a campaign ongoing in the eastern region, where surveillance established presence of polio, and they are immunizing door to door.”
Phoebe Kisibo, president of the Rotary Club of Kisugo Victoria View, explained the club’s focus on polio eradication. “We are here today to celebrate World Polio Day, which falls on the 24th of October. But we’ve moved it closer because we want to celebrate with the mothers and the children below five at the health center in Kisugu.”
Kisibo emphasized the urgency due to Uganda’s polio outbreak. “The polio virus was spotted in Mbale in eastern Uganda, and there is a door-to-door immunization everywhere in Uganda. So today, we are bringing that awareness to our community, and to also encourage all mothers with children under five to go to your nearest health center and have a polio vaccine.”
The immunization campaign targeted at least 200 children. Kisibo expressed gratitude for government support. “Today, we had a vaccine clinic at Kisugu Health Center III, and we targeted to have at least 200 children to come. We are very appreciative to the government because of working together with Rotary.”
Rotary has championed polio eradication since 1985, partnering with UNICEF, World Health Organization, and global health ministries. Masadde appealed to mothers to spread awareness. “We have to continue immunizing our children so that we forget about this disease forever on this earth.”
Rotary officials urged continued vigilance to protect children from polio’s debilitating effects.
