28 October, 2016, ADDIS ABABA | WHO Ethiopia in collaboration with the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health, Rotary and other partners celebrated colorfully the 2016 World Polio Day on October 24th 2016. This year’s day was commemorated under the theme of “END POLIO NOW, MAKE HISTORY TODAY”. Each year, the WPD provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements gained in polio eradication and to emphasize the continued commitment needed to achieve eradication. The theme for this year’s WPD reminds countries across the globe to discharge their commitment towards polio free world counting the target date set and look ahead for a transition of the polio assets to further contributions to healthy generations and a brighter future. The celebration was attended by State Minister of Health of Ethiopia, Country representatives of UN, representatives from embassies and international organizations as well as Rotarians and Rotractors.    

During the celebration of WPD, H.E. Dr Kebede Worku, State Minister of Health of Ethiopia in his  keynote address said that “We have passed over two decades in our Polio Eradication Initiative journey; and reduced polio cases by 99.9%. This is a great social history of Health, and we are part of that history. We don't have point of return but head on towards polio free world.”

Dr Paul Mainuka, Officer in Charge of WHO Ethiopia stated that “The World Health Organization will continue its commitment to support the Ethiopian government in its effort to ensure the successful completion of the campaign of ending polio and strengthening the disease surveillance system to maintain gains beyond the polio eradication.”

On her part, UNICEF Representative to Ethiopia, Gillian Mellsop also noted in her remarks, “The solid partnership between the Government of Ethiopia and partners was a critical element of the achieved success in maintaining the polio free status in Ethiopia. We are committed to sustaining this fruitful partnership so that together we can ensure that no child is left behind on polio vaccination.”

A certificate of recognition and medal award organized by Rotary is awarded for two members of Rotarian, namely Mr. K.V. Desikan and Ms. Teguest Yilma for their active and dedicated service in the Ethiopia polio eradication initiative. During the ceremony, PDG, Dr Tadesse Alemu, National Polio Plus Committee Chair stated, “I urge donors, partners, allies and health workers to increase the gains and continue their effort together without fatigue. We must have strong push to ENDPOLIONOW and root out polio once and for all.”

At the commemoration event, a vaccination session was also organized to promote the use of vaccines towards protecting children from polio disease and other vaccine preventable diseases. The WPD commemoration every year coincides with the  anniversary of the United Nations, and the 71st of this year UN day marked on October 24, 2016 along with the WPD.