Kamonyi – 24th October 2024 – Residents of Runda, Kamonyi district, alongside local and central government officials and partners, gathered at the Gihara Health Center, to mark the World Polio Day under the theme “One Day, One Focus: Ending Polio.”
Thanks to the Polio Eradication Initiative, global polio cases have been reduced by 99%. In Rwanda, various policies and initiatives promoting universal access to vaccination have achieved a vaccination rate of over 90% among children under one year. However, some areas, including Kamonyi district still fall below the national target, highlighting the need for renewed efforts. The selection of Kamonyi District to host this event aimed to inspire intensified vaccination efforts and encourage and encourage community participation in the fight against polio.
According to the Marie Josée Uwiringira, the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs in Kamonyi District, vaccine hesitancy among some parents is linked to personal beliefs. Uwiringira called on community health workers, local leaders, and health centers to amplify efforts to achieve a 100% vaccination rate in the district.
Hassan Sibomana, Director of Vaccine Program Unit at the Rwanda Biomedical Center, emphasized the critical role of vaccinations in safeguarding children’s health and urged parents to adhere to vaccination schedules to strengthen children’s immunity. “The Government of Rwanda ensures that every child receives all necessary vaccine doses at no cost. Most of the vaccines are costly and require specialized storage and handling,” he stated. Sibomana also reminded attendees that although many diseases are preventable through vaccination, maintaining overall health is equally important, including proper hygiene, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.
Thanks to intensified vaccination efforts, Rwanda has not recorded a single polio case in the last three decades. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative, launched in response to the World Health Assembly’s 1988 resolution to eradicate polio, has united governments, UN agencies and philanthropic organisations in the vital mission of eradicating polio worldwide.
The World Polio Day not only raises awareness about the importance of sustained vaccination efforts but also honors the dedication of healthcare workers and fosters global collaboration to combat outbreaks. Together, we can work towards a polio-free world!
