The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that in a few months time, it would declare Nigeria a polio-free country.
The Media and Communication Expert for WHO Nigeria, Charity Warigon, made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Warigon quoted Mr Clement Peter, Officer in charge (OiC) of WHO office in Nigeria as saying that in two months the country would reach three years without a polio case and could be certified polio-free.
“The OiC notes that if Nigeria does not report a wild polio case in the next two months, the country will reach three years without a polio case and could be certified polio-free after submitting its papers to the regional commission in the first quarter of 2020.
“He emphasises Nigeria’s efforts to reach this milestone, particularly through building community acceptance of vaccines and strong political commitment.
“He cited ongoing conflict in North-Eastern Nigeria, general low immunity levels, and funding as key challenges to the programme,’’ Warigon stated.
She said the WHO office in Nigeria is optimistic of Nigeria’s ability to meet the polio-free status considering government’s recent efforts to fight the polio scourge.
NAN
