Nigeria and Cameroon declared polio free

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Nigeria and Cameroon to be polio free.

The debilitating disease usually affects children under the age of five, resulting in muscle weakness and deformities if left untreated.

Health experts welcome the news, proving the success of Nigeria’s nationwide vaccination scheme. Dr Faisal Shuaib of Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency called the announcement “a proud moment for all us Nigerians”.

Afghanistan and Pakistan are now the only countries in the world with cases of wild polio virus.

To be declared free of the disease, countries have to prove that no new cases have been recorded in three consecutive years.

Health organisations will still monitor for disease as a precaution to prevent any potential resurgence.

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