ADVERTISEMENT

FG to reconstitute presidential task force to include Governors.

Buhari thanked Mr Bill Gates, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other members of the polio eradication team for their personal commitments towards total eradication of polio virus in Nigeria.

President Buhari administering the polio vaccine

The Federal Government says it will reconstitute an expanded Presidential Task force on Polio to include the 36 state governors in order to sustain the successes recorded in the efforts to eradicate polio from Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday at the signing of updated Abuja Commitment on polio eradication.

He said that when reconstituted, the expanded Task force would ensure effective surveillance and routine immunization programmes.

The President, who expressed satisfaction with the progress so far made on immunisation, assured that the federal government would continue to provide strong oversight and funding for polio programme.

ADVERTISEMENT

He noted with delight that the six states mostly impacted by the disease had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on routine immunization.

"I am pleased to inform you that the six states mostly impacted by polio have signed MoU on routine immunization.

"This MOU is a commitment by the state governments, namely Kano, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto and Yobe, to strengthen Primary Health care system through community sensitisation and support programmes.

"Based on this, I will take this opportunity to call on all state governors, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health to sustain this momentum to ensure we maintain the zero polio case status,’’ he said.

Buhari thanked Mr Bill Gates, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and other members of the polio eradication team for their personal commitments towards total eradication of polio virus in Nigeria.

ADVERTISEMENT

He particularly thanked Bill Gates for his continued commitment and support to various health care causes in Nigeria especially through maternal and child healthcare programmes.

"I would like to seize this opportunity to thank Mr Gates for his continued commitment and support to various health care causes in Nigeria especially through maternal and child healthcare programs.

"You should be rest assured of the Government of Nigeria’s support as we continue to work together for the betterment of all Nigerians in particular, the vulnerable ones.

"I also recognise the heroic efforts of our polio eradication team under the National Primary Health Care Development Agency of the Federal Ministry of Health as well as the WHO, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CDC, USAID, Rotary, Faith based organizations, Traditional Rulers, vaccinators and caregivers,’’ he said.

In his remarks, Bill Gates said that 2009 was a turning point in the fight against polio in Nigeria.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT