Buhari excited by Nigeria’s removal from list of Polio-Endemic Countries
Adetokunbo Fakeye
Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has welcome Friday’s announcement by the World Health Organisation that polio is no longer endemic in Nigeria.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said, President Buhari is delighted by the announcement which follows the absence of any case of the wild polio virus in Nigeria since July 24, 2014.
The President, Adesina said, applauded 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.
“While he joins other Nigerians and the global community in celebrating Nigeria’s removal from the list of polio-endemic countries, President Buhari urges continued vigilance to ensure that Nigeria 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”, the statement reads