As Nigeria celebrates 3rd year of Wild Polio Eradication and Certification by World Health Organisation, WHO and UNICEF, the US Center for Disease Control and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have pledged more commitment to all immunisation efforts towards improving the Heath of children.
The commitments were made by the International donors at an event to mark the 3rd anniversary of Polio Eradication in Nigeria in Abuja.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo said that, WHO administered over two hundred and seventy million doses of Wild Polio Vaccine to children across cities and hard to reach communities in Nigeria.
He noted that, it was a difficult task to record such huge success achieved through concerted efforts, sacrifices and selflessness of partners, Nigerian government, health workers and traditional institutions.
Dr. Mulombo congratulated Nigeria and stressed the need for the country to improve on immunisation programmes.
The UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Peter Hawkins represented by Dr. Eduardo Celades said the body vaccinated over four hundred million children globally against the Polio Virus including Nigeria.
He commended the community corporation and advocacy efforts in achieving zero Polio in Nigeria.
According to him, “it is time for Nigeria to strengthen immunisation and Primary Heath Care to improve the survival of children.”
Also, the Country Director, US Center for Disease Control Dr. Mary Boyd, stressed the need for Nigeria to leverage on resources and collaboration in combating all forms of wild polio related viruses in future.
She said, “US is committed to assist Nigeria to see that Polio becomes a disease of the past.”
Also, the Country Director Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Jeremie Zoungrana reafirmed the commitment of the organisation in supporting Nigeria to achieve health for all in the country.
The Executive Director National Primary Heath Care Development Agency in Nigeria, Dr Faisal Shu’aibu applauded partners and all stakeholders for their support in achieving the zero Polio certification.
He called on traditional rulers to intensify sensitisation on immunisation to ensure that the circulation of any Polio variant was eliminated.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire appreciated international donors for their commitment and support.
He pledged that the government woukd continue to provide assistance to the health care agency to improve primary heath care of Nigerians.
Traditional Leaders at the event promised more commitment to advance Nigeria’s health sector.
Presentation of awards to Polio Heroes for their contribution to Polio free Nigeria and unveiling of Polio photo book were the highlights of the event.
Confidence Okwuchi
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