Governors' Forum wants Nigeria certified polio-free in another 24 months

dimeji akinloye

September 28, 2015 10:16 PM

Yari said that the forum was greatly delighted to receive the news of Nigeria’s delisting from polio- endemic countries by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Nigerian health official administers a polio vaccine to a child in Kano, northern Nigeria

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has called for continued commitment and concerted efforts from all stakeholders to get Nigeria certified polio-free in another 24 months.

This is contained in a statement issued by the forum's Chairman, Gov. Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara, signed by Alhaji Abdulatif Shittu, the acting Director-General of the forum on Monday in Abuja.

He said that the forum also commended all stakeholders that contributed to the process leading to the delisting of Nigeria from polio-endemic countries by the WHO.

''The Forum acknowledged the contribution of all stakeholders both at state and local government levels that played key roles that resulted in Nigeria achieving this historic feat.

"Every parent who has made their children available for polio vaccination in the past years should be proud of this achievement.

"Their action will guarantee a polio-free Nigeria for the unborn generation,’’ Yari said.

Yari also congratulated his colleagues and their deputies, acknowledging their vanguard role in ensuring that the polio efforts in their states got the desired political leverage and demonstrating leadership.

One of such efforts, according to him, was going out to supervise the supplemental polio campaigns when they happen, directing polio meetings and ensuring availability of most needed counterpart funding.

He said that the forum remained even more committed to its earlier decisions.

Yari, however, cautioned governors and their deputies from accepting any mediocre performance and outcomes from the program, ``otherwise Nigeria risks losing its newly-acquired global status on polio’’.

He also appreciated the cooperation and support received from the traditional and religious institutions, health workers, volunteers, international development partners and the Federal Government.

dimeji akinloye