Nigeria To Be Declared Polio Free

A statement from the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Nigeria says that the body is set to declare Nigeria a polio free country.

The official declaration is expected when Nigeria marks three years without a polio case being recorded, with just two months to go. 

"The OiC notes that if Nigeria does not report a wild polio case in the next two months, the country will reach three years without a polio case and could be certified polio-free after submitting its papers to the regional commission in the first quarter of 2020.

"He emphasise Nigeria's efforts to reach this milestone, particularly through building community acceptance of vaccines and strong political commitment, stated Ms Warigon, spokesperson for WHO Nigeria.

While WHO noted that Nigeria faces certain challenges in securing the milestone, notably conflict in the North East and funding, it expressed optimism that the country will meet the target given the efforts of government and its partners.

Among the strategies being deployed are the strengthening of primary health care and improved surveillance.