The Government and UNICEF Launched Polio Vaccination Campaign at SKD Sports Complex

The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and its partners, including UNICEF and formal Ghanaian International Michael Essien, yesterday June 4, 2024, launched the Polio Vaccination Campaign at the SKD Sports Complex under the theme: Let's Kick Polio out of Liberia.

In his opening remarks, Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu said that it is about time that we focus hugely on the young people in our programs and project because 70% of the population are young people and 56% are below age 18, according to the recent population census conducted in Liberia. 

Minister Bangalu emphasized that young people are contributing immensely to the upliftment of Liberia, and so " healthy young people lead to a healthy state,” He then thanked Football Icon, Michael Essien, for coming to Liberia to be a part of the official launch of the" Kick Polio out of Liberia " and all other partners, including UNICEF.

Also speaking at the ceremony, UNICEF Ambassador to Liberia Mr. Andrew Brooks, said that Liberia has a good story as it relates to the eradication of Polio, so this will be a nationwide campaign where the polio vaccines will be straight to your doorstep for children below age five.

He said the polio vaccines will also be available at health centers for free, and he is urging parents to give their children the gift of health and a brighter future.

For his part, UNICEF Good Will Ambassador, former Chelsea, and Real Madrid player Michael Essien said he was glad to be in Liberia to form part of the campaign to kick polio out of Liberia. He stressed that the children of Liberia deserve good health because they are the country's future leaders and cornerstones.

The ceremony brought together hundreds of youths and students from schools around Paynesville City. It began with a parade and a brief indoor program and was concluded with football matches during which time the UNICEF Good Will Ambassador, former Chelsea, and Real Madrid player Michael Essien played for the four teams that participated in the event.