The proposed certification of Nigeria as a polio-free country in August this year is gradually becoming a reality, as the Africa Regional Commission for Certification of Polio Eradication, ARCC has accepted Nigeria’s documentation.
ARCC Chairman, Professor Rose Leke, made this known in a meeting with the Nigerian team led by the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA and partners.
Professor Leke said the Commission has assessed the documentation of the progress made so far as submitted by the NPHCDA and found that it tallies with the reality on ground, and therefore congratulated Nigeria on the feat.
The ARCC which is an organ of the World Health Organization commended the NPHCDA for achieving the milestone after years of battling with the Wild Polio Virus.
NPHCDA Chief Executive, Faisal Shuaib, who was visibly elated by the development, said it was an amazing moment in history to have had the polio eradication documentation accepted by the ARCC. He disclosed that the acceptance paves way for the country’s polio free status to be officially declared next month at a meeting of Ministers of Health in Africa.
Read Also: Donors pledge $2.6 billion for ‘last mile’ of polio eradication
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and foresight, saying “the leadership provided by Mr. President is mainly responsible for the rare achievement.”
He also commended traditional and religious leaders, partners, past presidents, ministers, EDs of NPHCDA/NPI, leaders in the public health space, the media, polio victims, parents and others for being the constant driving force and motivation behind the efforts of the frontline workers.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
