Tunji Funsho, biography

Have you ever heard of Tunji Funsho? If not, you are missing out on one of the most inspiring stories of our time. Tunji Funsho is a Nigerian physician and a member of Rotary International, an organization dedicated to humanitarian service and advancing goodwill and peace.

He is the chair of Rotary’s Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, which oversees the polio eradication efforts in the country. He was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2020 for his instrumental role in achieving the eradication of wild polio in Africa. In this blog post, we will explore his life, his work, and his legacy.

Tunji Funsho Early Life and Education

Tunji Funsho was born in 1956, in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended King’s College, Lagos, for his secondary education, and then proceeded to study medicine at the University of Ibadan, graduating in 1981. He did his internship at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and then completed his residency in cardiology at the same institution. Tunji Funsho obtained his fellowship at the West African College of Physicians.

Tunji Funsho Career and Achievements

Tunji Funsho worked as a cardiologist for over two decades, practicing at various hospitals in Lagos. He joined Rotary International in 1985 as a member of the Rotary Club of Ikeja South. He served as the president of the club from 1996 to 1997, and as the governor of District 9110 from 2013 to 2014. Tunji Funsho became the chair of the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee in 2013 and has since been leading the coordination and implementation of polio immunization and advocacy campaigns across the country.

Tunji Funsho works closely with Rotary’s partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI): the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. He also collaborates with various stakeholders in Nigeria, such as the government, traditional leaders, religious groups, civil society organizations, and media outlets.

Under his leadership, Nigeria achieved remarkable progress in the fight against polio, reaching three years without a case of wild poliovirus in August 2019. This milestone qualified Nigeria for its polio-free certification by the WHO in August 2020, making Africa the fifth region in the world to be declared free of wild polio. This historic achievement was the result of decades of sustained efforts by hundreds of thousands of health workers, volunteers, donors, and parents who participated in mass immunization campaigns and community education initiatives.

Tunji Funsho played a vital role in ensuring that no child in Africa will ever again be paralyzed by wild polio, a disease that once disabled 75,000 African children every single year. He was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020, for his courage, perseverance, and vision. He was also honored by the African Union with the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Excellence Award for his contribution to the elimination of malaria and other diseases.

Tunji Funsho Personal Life and Interests

Tunji Funsho is married to Aisha Funsho, a fellow Rotarian and a past president of the Rotary Club of Lekki. They have three children: Tolu, Tobi, and Tomi. He enjoys reading, traveling, and playing golf.

Tunji Funsho is a role model for many people who aspire to make a positive difference in the world. He is a living proof that one person can change the course of history with dedication, passion, and collaboration. He is a true hero of humanity.

Controversy And Activism Of Tunji Funsho

Tunji Funsho is a Nigerian physician and a prominent activist for polio eradication in Africa. He has been praised by many for his leadership and dedication in the fight against polio, but he has also faced some challenges and controversies along the way. Here are some examples:

In 2014, Tunji Funsho and his team had to deal with the outbreak of Ebola in Nigeria, which threatened to disrupt the polio immunization campaigns and put the health workers at risk. They managed to contain the Ebola virus and resume the polio activities, while also using the polio infrastructure to support the Ebola response.
In 2016, Tunji Funsho and his team faced a setback when four new cases of wild polio were detected in Borno state, a region affected by the insurgency of Boko Haram. They had to overcome the security and access challenges and launch an emergency vaccination campaign to stop the transmission of the virus.
In 2018, Tunji Funsho and his team encountered some resistance and misinformation from some communities and religious leaders who were skeptical or opposed to the polio vaccine. They had to engage in dialogue and advocacy to persuade them of the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and the importance of protecting the children from polio.
In 2020, Tunji Funsho and his team had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed a new threat to the polio eradication efforts. They had to suspend some of the polio activities to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and divert some of the polio resources to support the COVID-19 response. They also had to ensure that the polio workers were trained and equipped to follow the infection prevention and control measures.

Despite these difficulties, Tunji Funsho and his team never gave up on their mission to end polio in Africa. They demonstrated resilience, innovation, and collaboration to overcome the obstacles and achieve the historic milestone of eradicating wild polio from the continent in 2020. Tunji Funsho is a true champion of public health and a source of inspiration for many.

What Is Tunji Funsho Net Worth?

Tunji Funsho’s net worth is not publicly known. However, he is likely to have earned a substantial income from his career as a cardiologist and a Rotarian. He has also received generous donations from various individuals and organizations for his polio eradication efforts.

What Are Some Other Achievements Of Tunji Funsho?

Tunji Funsho is a remarkable person who has achieved many things in his life. Besides eradicating wild polio in Africa, some of his other achievements are:

He worked as a cardiologist for over 20 years, practicing at various hospitals in Lagos1.
He served as the president of the Rotary Club of Ikeja South and the governor of District 9110.
He received the Rotary International Service Above Self Award and the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service.
He was honored by the African Union with the African Leaders Malaria Alliance Excellence Award for his contribution to the elimination of malaria and other diseases.

Conclusion

Tunji Funsho is a Nigerian physician and a humanitarian leader who has made a lasting impact on the world by helping to eradicate wild polio in Africa. He is a member of Rotary International, an organization that works to improve lives and promote peace through service. He enjoys reading, traveling, and playing golf. Tunji Funsho is an inspiration to many and a testament to the power of collective action to create positive change.