WHO Lauds FG’s Effort To Get Rid Of Polio As Nigeria Marks Three Years Of Being Polio-Free

On Thursday, Nigeria celebrated the three years of the last reported case of polio in the country.

Speaking at a celebratory event on Thursday in Abuja, WHO Country Representative, Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, commended the Federal Government’s efforts to rid the country of the virus.

He stressed the importance of continued attention and focus to keep the country polio-free.

According to Mulombo, Nigeria became polio-free due to the remarkable commitment at all levels, from the highest reaches of government to the heroic vaccinators delivering polio drops to local communities across the country.

“As we celebrate this occasion, we must continue to celebrate all those who paid the supreme price getting us here. We will continue to remember them,” he said.

According to him, the last case of WPV was reported in Borno. It was a case of a near miss for Nigeria to attain certification in 2016.

“Each year, over 270 million doses of polio vaccines were administered from greater investments and efforts were made to reach vulnerable populations.”

“Nigeria became the template for the Global Polio Programme for innovations, best practices and demonstration of leadership and ownership at national and sub-national levels.

“This was achieved through the Accountability Framework."