President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed happiness at Nigeria and Africa certification of wild polio free status adding that all necessary precautions must be taken to prevent resurgence.
The president spoke at the formal certification of the Wild Polio Virus eradication in the African region during the virtual session of the 70th World Health Organisation (WHO) regional committee for Africa, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
‘‘I recall that shortly after assuming office in May 2015, I made a pledge to Nigerians that I would not bequeath a polio-endemic country to my successor.
‘‘This certification is, therefore, a personal fulfillment of that pledge to not only Nigerians, but to all Africans.
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While stressing the need to guard the achievement of the eradication of Wild Polio Virus in Africa jealously he noted that all necessary steps must be taken to prevent resurgence of the disease.
“I commend the decades of hard work and resilience of health workers and volunteers across Africa, and Ministers of Health and other stakeholders —political, traditional, religious and community leaders who provided the required support and leadership.
Let me also appreciate the invaluable support of our donors, development and local partners: @WHO, @UNICEF, @Rotary, @gatesfoundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, @CDCgov, @gavi, @USAID, EU, Emeka Offor Foundation, Japanese & German Govts, numerous NGOs & faith-based organizations.
These are truly the heroes and heroines of many battles that have made us triumphant in the war against polio.”
The President stressed the need to continue to build trust between Government institutions, leaders and citizens which ultimately will unite us as a people and help confront the health and socio-economic challenges we face together.
