WHO lauds Nigeria’s prompt response to outbreak in Borno

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director, World Health Organisation (WHO) AFRO, has commended the Federal Government for its prompt response and declaration of Public Health Emergency in Borno over recent polio outbreak.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Boade Akinola, Director, Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja on Wednesday.

Akinola said that Moeti noted the openness of the government in the overall handling of the process that led to the discovery of the two new cases

She commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his directive to the relevant government agency to immediately release money budgeted for vaccines.

Moeti said that the government’s posture was a great motivation for WHO and other polio eradication partners to support the country.

She reiterated the commitment of WHO and other partners to work with Nigeria to address the problem of polio resurgence in Nigeria.

"With concerted effort Nigeria will soon attain the zero polio case status,’’ she said.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole had earlier restated the firm commitment of the federal government to protect the health of Nigerians.

He also said he was satisfied with the level of understanding by WHO and other partners on the issues around the resurgence of polio.

NAN reports that Federal ministry of health on Aug. 11 confirmed the discovery of two cases of the Wild Polio Virus in Gwoza and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno.