A tree planting event took place at Ethiopian Heritage Trust, Entoto, on 4 October 2015 to celebrate Ethiopia – free of polio. The State Mnister of Health, Dr Kebede Worku, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative Dr Pierre M'pele-Kilebou, Rotarians from USA and Canada, Rotaractors and other partners such as Core Group, L10K (The Last 10 Kilometers) and other UN agencies were also part of the event. 

Partners acknowledged the commitment that led to the fast and aggressive response to eliminate polio from Ethiopia and the achievement gained so far, and also reconfirmed their own commitment to polio elimination and eradication from Ethiopia and Africa.

Dr Pierre M'pele-Kilebou acknowledged the strong partnership of WHO and Rotary International both at country and global levels and thanked Rotary International for their exceptional contribution to the polio eradication initiative. He added, “Now we are free of polio for more than a year and this is because of the support we got from Rotary; You are far but you are also here every day.” 

H.E Dr. Kebede Worku, State Minister of Health in his keynote address also thanks Rotarian for coming to Ethiopia every year, for their support they have been extending, and their participation in the planning, participation in the implementation, monitoring, and their contribution by advocating to polio eradication initiative; not only in Ethiopia but also at Global level. He also mentioned that “Now Ethiopia and Africa are in the right way to eradicate polio as Nigeria, the last endemic country from Africa has also achieved to be free of polio recently; so I commend partners to continue their support for the polio eradication initiative”.

Rotary National Polio Plus Committee (NPPC) Chairperson, Dr Tadesse .Alemu, said, “With only two years left for Ethiopia to be certified as polio free, we have to sustain the achievements gained so far,” adding his assurance that the support from Rotary will continue and be strengthened.

Past District Governor (PDG), Rotarian Ezra Teshome commented, “Our contribution is minimal compared to what you are doing here each and every day to save the life of children,” and urged polio partners to continue the struggle until the job is done and the war against polio is won once and for all, “For,” he said, “We are the polio warriors.” 

Every year, Rotarians and friends come to Ethiopia to visit and work with local partners on issues of common concern such as polio eradication, and this year a total of 24 Rotarians from the USA and Canada arrived in the country to participate in the polio immunization campaign and visit partners implementing the polio eradication program.

Photos: WHO Ethiopia/ Selamawit Yilma