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President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded the effort of health workers who have tirelessly worked to ensure Nigeria gets rid of polio virus.
He disclosed this on Tuesday after the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that polio is no longer endemic in Nigeria, leaving the African continent polio free and bringing the world one step closer to achieving the goal of ending polio for good.
WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan in a statement said, “The outstanding commitment and efforts that got Nigeria off the endemic list must continue, to keep Africa polio-free.”
In his reaction, BuhariI said, “recall that shortly after assuming office in May 2015, I made a pledge to Nigerians that I would not bequeath a polio-endemic country to my successor. Today’s certification of our Wild Polio-Free status is in fulfillment of that pledge to not only Nigerians, but to all Africans.
“We must guard this achievement of the eradication of Wild Polio Virus in Africa jealously and ensure that we take all necessary steps to prevent a resurgence of this disease.”
The President commended the effort of stakeholder who have been at the forefront of ensuring that polio is defeated as a major health menace.
He said, “I commend the decades of hard work and resilience of health workers and volunteers across Africa, and Ministers of Health and other stakeholders —political, traditional, religious and community leaders who provided the required support and leadership.
“I would also like to appreciate the invaluable support of our donors, development and local partners such as WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, GAVI, USAID, European Union, Emeka Offor Foundation, the Japanese and German Governments, numerous NGOs and faith-based organizations.
“These are truly the heroes and heroines of many battles that have made us triumphant in the war against polio.”
“We must continue to build trust between Government institutions, leaders and citizens, so that we can unite as a people and confront the health and socio-economic challenges we face together.”
This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.