'Nigeria Has Won The Battle, Not The War' – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) today, October 20, declared Nigeria officially Ebola free after 42 days without any recurrence of the disease.

The declaration ceremony took place at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja and the announcement was made by the WHO Country Director, Dr Rui Gama Vaz on behalf of Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan.

Dr. Vaz however said that Nigeria must remain vigilant as it is not totally out the woods yet and has only won the battle not the war.

He said:

"Nigeria is now free of Ebola," "This is a spectacular success story."

"The outbreak in Nigeria has been contained,". "But we must be clear that we only won a battle. The war will only end when West Africa is also declared free of Ebola."

"Therefore there is need to continue to work together with states to ensure adequate preparedness to rapidly respond, in case of any potential re-importation”

Ebola was imported into Nigeria by Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer who died of the disease in Lagos on July 25.

The country recorded 20 cases and 8 deaths before the disease was eventually contained.