President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed happiness over an announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO) that polio is no longer endemic in Nigeria.
A statement from the presidential spokesman quoted Buhari as saying that the announcement came as a result of the absence of any case of the wild polio virus in Nigeria since July 24, 2014.
“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.”
President Buhari congratulated Nigerians and the global community for the achievement and called for celebrations as Nigeria has been removed from the list of polio-endemic countries.
President Buhari however appealed to Nigerians to continue to be vigilance so as to ensure that the country maintains this new status.
“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.” [myad]
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