By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As the world records a milestone feat on eradication of the Wild Polio Virus, WPV, in Nigeria and Africa, the World Health Organization, WHO, has called for vigilance against a resurgence of the virus.
WHO Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo Kazadi said this today in Abuja during the Commemoration of the certification of the Wild Polio Virus, WPV.
Mulombo said, ” As we mark this milestone, we must emphasize the need to be vigilant to prevent resurgence of wild polio virus given the disease has not been eradicated globally. 102 wild polio virus cases have so far been reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan this year.”
WHO commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the| government, the African continent on the declaration of the WPV free certification announced on the 25 August, 2020, adding that it s a massive public health achievement.
Mulombo said that the feat was made possible due to the leadership and commitment of governments, global polio partners, traditional and religious institutions, frontline health workers and vaccinators, nothing that It is a moment to celebrate the many individuals that worked tirelessly to make this miles.
He said that 16 countries in the region are still face with the treat of vaccine derived polio virus outbreak.
According to him, Nigeria’s battle with wild polio has been long and therefore the government for to be steadfast commitment in leading a massive national effort over the last couple of decades.
He further commended Nigeria’s strong National Polio Emergency Operations Centre for devising several innovations to address the prevailing challenges in then fight against polio.
He reiterated WHO’s commitment to support the country towards closing immunity gaps through a strong routine immunization and primary health care system.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire while thanking WHO and the African Regional Commission Committee for cerifying the African region of free polio virus, said that Poliomyelitis us caused by the Polio Virus which has affected thousands of children global as it results in lifetime physical disabilities and sometimes loss of life.
Ehanire said, ” Declaring Nigeria as a polio virus free state is particularly significant for us, coming at a time when we are on the threshold of fostering an evolution in the health sector, built on the revelations and opportunities provided by the COVID-19 outbreak and inspired by the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
