Nigeria has achieved a major milestone in its fight against polio after the World Health Organisation (WHO) accepted the country’s documentation for wild polio-free status. The announcement came through the WHO Regional Office for Africa, known as WHO AFRO, in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
WHO Accepts Nigeria’s Documentation
WHO said the Africa Regional Certification Commission for Polio Eradication (ARCC) had accepted Nigeria’s complete documentation for wild polio-free status. The agency described the development as a historic moment for Nigeria and the Global Polio Eradication Programme. The acceptance followed efforts by Nigeria and its health partners to provide evidence supporting the country’s polio-free status.
NPHCDA Celebrates Milestone
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, also described the development as historic. Shuaib said the achievement marked an important moment in Nigeria’s long fight against polio. He credited the NPHCDA and its partners for their role in presenting the evidence required for the certification process.
Nigeria’s Polio Eradication Efforts
Shuaib also acknowledged the contributions of key partners to Nigeria’s fight against the disease. He praised the support provided by President Bola Tinubu, Aliko Dangote and Bill Gates towards polio eradication efforts in the country. Nigeria’s latest achievement follows years of vaccination campaigns and surveillance efforts aimed at stopping the transmission of wild poliovirus.
How Polio Spreads
Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by poliovirus. The disease mainly affects children under five years old. It can spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. Polio has no cure. However, vaccination can prevent the disease and protect children from its effects.
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