The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced the removal of Nigeria from the list of states where the wild Polio virus is endemic.
The announcement comes after the WHO revealed that there has been no reported case of Polio in Nigeria since July 24, 2014.
This is major progress for Nigeria as it gets off a list that’s down to just two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Muhammadu Buhari welcomed the development and in statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina,
“The president applauds the concerted efforts of government officials, health workers, volunteer groups, civil society, religious leaders, traditional rulers and international partners which resulted in this historic achievement
The President directs all government ministries, departments and agencies involved in the polio eradication effort to remain proactively engaged and on guard against the re-emergence of the polio virus in Nigeria.
“He assures the World Health Organisation and the global community that the Federal Government will ensure that immunisation and surveillance activities continue across Nigeria to keep the country polio-free,”