The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned in strong terms the deployment of violence against workers by Rivers State Government.
Addressing newsmen at a press briefing, the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the attack on the leaders of NLC in Rivers State was a well calculated attempt to decimate the leadership of labour in Rivers State.
While adding that, workers will never succumb to the scare tactics. As we will continue to hold Governor Wike accountable and bring him to justice even after the expiration of his current tenure in office, should any slightest harm come to any worker during the planned protest.
According to him; “If by September 8, the Rivers State Government fails to do the needful, the labour union will be left with no other option than to shut down economic activities in Rivers State.
“The protest is to draw the attention of all to the following in Rivers State: Act of lawlessness by sealing off the NLC Rivers State Council; non payment of gratuity and pensions to pensioners since 2015; refusal to negotiate with workers’ organizations on salary adjustments consequent on the new national minimum wage and other labor issues in the state.
” Nigerian workers are not cowed and will never be cowed by the cowardly actions of Mr. Wike to cower our voices. Workers will never succumb to his scare tactics. We will continue to demand that the rights of our workers in the workplace, their safety and the sanctity of their lives must be respected always both by government and private sector employers”, Ayuba stressed .
The yearnings that the labour movement in Nigeria would quickly mobilize for a strike and nationwide protest against the decision by the Federal Government to increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol, may have been misplaced as union leaders seem unprepared for now.
The organized labour under the auspices of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja revealed that they will consult their organs nationwide before taking a decision on the matter.
NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, gave the revelation while fielding questions form newsmen during the briefing.
According to him; “We don’t take ‘solo’ decisions, we consult our organs. Any time we are taking decisions for such actions, I am sure you will be invited, we will take our decision at the appropriate time when our organs meet and you will be informed.”
It would be recalled that, the Federal Government through the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) on Tuesday September 2nd announced a new price regime which increased the price of petrol from N138.62 to N151.56 per litre.
This was disclosed in an internal memo from Ibadan depot to all stakeholders with reference number PPMC/IB/LS/020 dated September 2, 2020 and signed by D.O Abalaka, fueling anxiety and anger across the country as Nigerians groan over certain increase in hardship. The NLC President had issued a statement on Wednesday where he condemned and rejected the price hike.
He further stated that ; “The increase in price of petroleum has happened now more than three times in three months, only yesterday they hiked the tariff of electricity. And to compound it they also reduced the interest rate of savings which affects mostly the poor and the vulnerable.”
“Certainly we cannot guarantee industrial peace and harmony, and we will have to call our organs and we will have to also react but we reject it in its entirety.
“They have betrayed the trust of Nigerians, for Nigerians to be protected against the economic challenge that is affecting us”, he stated.
However, Nigerians may have to wait a little longer for the unions to instigate action against the increase in fuel price including the recent increase in electricity tariff by the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) as the unions make their consultations.
L-R. FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Director Housing Satellite Towns Development, Arc. Us man Isyaku Bala and Engr, Felix Nwankwo Obiora, Acting Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development
FCTA Set To Roll Out 30,000 Affordable Housing For Staff
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) has concluded plans to roll out 30, 000 housing units for staff of FCTA/FCDA in Karshi area of the nation’s capital.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu made the known at the assessment tour of project in Karshi, promised that the developers are committed to the realization of the project very soon.
She, however, noted that at the completion of the project, staff of the FCT Administration would be more committed to duty, stressing that they would also have sense of ownership of the houses.
According to het; “First and foremost the Karshi tour is to assess the affordable housing project designed for the staff of the FCTA/FCDA. The FCT Administration is committed to affordable housing as mandated by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that there is a provision for affordable housing for indigenous people and residents of the Federal Capital Territory across the six area councils.
“So, it happen we have a site in Karshi and we came to inspect it and to look at some possible encroachment. Practically, we are ready to tradeoff and do the needful. We have assessed the whole place to ensure that all the infrastructures are already in place and to ensure that the houses are truly affordable and structures are qualitative.
“We came out today with our development partners, the Family Homes. We have over 30000 staff waiting already, and we are set to proceed. As for the takeoff, it is as soon as now, but the COVID-19 pandemic which is not peculiar to us but a global pandemic really slow down the pace of development.
She continued; “By and large, it is never too late. The developers are also giving us a time frame to expedite action on the project. And quality and affordability as the name implies matters to us.
“The population of FCT staff without credible house is alarming, so if we want adequate concentration for our staff, then we have to provide them with good accommodation. These housing facilities will encourage them to do more, give them sense of ownership in the territory. This will boost their standard of living”.
Also, the Director of Housing, FCT Satellite Towns Development Development, Arch. Usman Isyaku Bala, maintained that the project would be completed with 24 months, adding that modalities are in place to ensure that staff of the administration are beneficiaries of the scheme.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) has concluded plans to roll out 30, 000 housing units for staff of FCTA/FCDA in Karshi area of the nation’s capital.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu made the known at the assessment tour of project in Karshi, promised that the developers are committed to the realization of the project very soon.
She, however, noted that at the completion of the project, staff of the FCT Administration would be more committed to duty, stressing that they would also have sense of ownership of the houses.
According to het; “First and foremost the Karshi tour is to assess the affordable housing project designed for the staff of the FCTA/FCDA. The FCT Administration is committed to affordable housing as mandated by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that there is a provision for affordable housing for indigenous people and residents of the Federal Capital Territory across the six area councils.
“So, it happen we have a site in Karshi and we came to inspect it and to look at some possible encroachment. Practically, we are ready to tradeoff and do the needful. We have assessed the whole place to ensure that all the infrastructures are already in place and to ensure that the houses are truly affordable and structures are qualitative.
“We came out today with our development partners, the Family Homes. We have over 30000 staff waiting already, and we are set to proceed. As for the takeoff, it is as soon as now, but the COVID-19 pandemic which is not peculiar to us but a global pandemic really slow down the pace of development.
She continued; “By and large, it is never too late. The developers are also giving us a time frame to expedite action on the project. And quality and affordability as the name implies matters to us.
“The population of FCT staff without credible house is alarming, so if we want adequate concentration for our staff, then we have to provide them with good accommodation. These housing facilities will encourage them to do more, give them sense of ownership in the territory. This will boost their standard of living”.
Also, the Director of Housing, FCT Satellite Towns Development Development, Arch. Usman Isyaku Bala, maintained that the project would be completed with 24 months, adding that modalities are in place to ensure that staff of the administration are beneficiaries of the scheme.
The President, All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abdulkarim Abdulrahman on Wednesday hinted that schools in the nation’s capital are safe and ready for reopening.
While adding that, the school principals are satisfied with the arrangements put in place by the FCT Administration to ensure that students did not contract COVID-19 pandemic on resumption.
Abdulrahman this hintmade this during the distribution of 10,000 units of 3 in 1 Personal Protective Equipments against COVID-19 for students across FCT at Government Secondary School, Garki-Abuja.
He , however, reiterated that the school principals are well prepared for reopening as safety guidelines have been provided.
According to him; “FCT schools are not threat to Covid-19, all the principals have brace up for reopening of schools especially with the necessary provisions by the Administration.
“We are happy and set for commencement of classes because the FCT Administration through the Education Secretariat has provided all the necessary medical materials needed to ensure safety measures in the schools”.
The ANCOPSS president further stated that the items donated by Kas Arts Service Limited would be shared based on zones including schools under Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB, Secondary Education Board and Science and Technology.
He ,also enjoined principals to ensure that the materials are used for the purpose that they are meant for.
A breakdown of the distribution shows that schools under UBEB got 600 cartoons of the protective equipment, nose mask, sanitizer and face shield.
Accordingly, Bwari zone received 80 cartoons, Gwagwalada 75, Karshi 70, Garki 60, Gwagwa 60, Maitama and Asokoro 60, Kuje 50, Kwali 50 and Abaji 45 respectively.
However, schools under Secondary Education Board (SEB), Science and Technology, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) got 70 cartoons, Kwali 50, Kuje 50, Gwagwalada 70, Abaji 45.
…As WHO Marks 2020 African Traditional Medicine Day
TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA
Director General, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Dr Obi Adigwe has advocated for Prioritisation of research and development for African Traditional Medicines Development.
Adigwe made this known in his message to commemorate the 2020 African Traditional Medicine Day, with the theme , “Traditional Medicine: Research and Development”.
He said that, the theme could not have been better articulated, given the hitherto neglected potential for health and socioeconomic development for the continent.
According to him; “For a while now, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has pioneered science-led Research and Development aimed at mainstreaming African Traditional Medicines.
“NIPRD is the most resourced Institute of its kind with over 70 Masters and PhDs aggregated around various aspects of phytomedicines’ development value chain. The Institute also remains the first African Institute to develop a world class phytomedicine from drug discovery up to phase 2 clinical trials.
“This illustrated the immense expertise and experience that existed at NIPRD with respect to Research and Development for African Traditional Medicines”, he emphasized.
Adigwe further hinted that, during the current pandemic, NIPRD has galvanised this significant expertise into making a huge contribution to the National and global response, and a significant proportion of this contribution is focused on African Traditional Medicines.
He added that, the Institute provided the internationally acclaimed analysis that underpinned Government’s categorical position on the Madagascar Covid Organics preparation. This analysis went viral internationally, with scientists and policymakers around the world referencing NIPRD’s seminal work on the product.
NIPRD Boss stressed that for the first time in the Country’s history an interdisciplinary team of over 20 eminent and erudite Professors drawn from various universities and geopolitical regions were convened to form the National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) on the verification of claims by Traditional Medicines Practitioners. This landmark achievement not only ensures that coronavirus cure claims are subjected to the highest international science, it also ensures that the highest relevant standards of safety and efficacy are maintained, in order to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
He added that, the Institute’s activities in phytomedicines and related product development has also been brought to bear in addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic. For instance, the Institute pioneered and strongly advocated indigenous manufacturing of hand sanitisers from locally sourced raw materials. Similarly Niprimune, its flagship immunomodulatory agent with very promising preclinical results is now receiving strong international funding attention for relevant clinical studies for COVID-19.
He also hinted that, NIPRD has commenced its nationwide training and capacity building of Traditional Medicines Practitioners. This year, the activity been decentralized to states and rural areas to ensure a robust and comprehensive engagement with Governors, sub-National policymakers and regulators, as well as to mitigate identified challenges such as paucity of funds, limited information technology capacity and poor understanding of scientific, policy and regulatory processes.
He, however, bemoaned lack of investment, funding and prioritisation with respect to Research and Development pertaining to African Traditional Medicines, and consequently urged the involvement of philanthropists, foundations, development partners and other private sector actors, despite these laudable advances.
Adigwe ,therefore, reiterated NIPRD’s commitment to continue fostering ground-breaking evidence based methodologies and policies that would enable Nigeria and indeed Africa fulfil the inherent health and socioeconomic potential associated with African Traditional Medicines.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revealed that it will commenced a weekly site inspection and enforcement exercise that would culminate into demolition of illegal developments across the nation’s capital.
Director, FCTA department of Development Control, Tpl Mukhtar Galadima gave this revelation while conducting newsmen on inspection of project sites in Guzape, Asokoro, Katampe Extension districts and National Assembly Quarters, Apo, yesterday in Abuja.
Fielding questions from newsmen on reasons for the high rate of contraventions of building approvals, Galadima, however, decried that many developers took advantage of the lockdown period to carry out illegal develooments, by either building without approvals or building above approved number of units as well as arbitrary change of land use.
According to him ; “I can attribute what you are saying to the unfortunate incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because most of these deviations have occurred during this period of lockdown.
” Authorities would deal with each contravention based on its uniqueness: “And from what I have seen, it is either we condone or we condemn (the contraventions). “Those we cannot condone, we apply appropriate sanctions -either it is for the payment of contravention charges where it is necessary and as approved by the authority, or where it is not, we remove them (illegal structures) automatically.
He continued; “We could also subject such contraventions to certain parameters, including paying for the whole value of that building to government. And for us to do that, we also have to check these parameters in terms of parking adequacy, plot coverage and density of the area.
“At the end of the day, if we find out that these parameters are in agreement, then the developer is surcharged to pay the value of the property put on ground”, he explained.
The team visited development sites Guzape, Asokoro and Katampe Extension Districts as well as the National Assembly Quarters, Apo, where structures were earmarked for immediate demolition.
Describing the Guzape and Katampe Extension developments as “impunity and flagrant abuses of building regulations”, Galadima regretted that the developers had almost completed building eight units on each sites, instead of the four units approved by the authorities.
Also, in the case of Asokoro, the Development Control boss said: “We were in Asokoro because of the past experience where somebody tried to modify what was approved for residential to hotel development. That’s why we have been careful and cautious.
“The development adjoining that area, we have to be careful, that is why we are monitoring it from the excavation stage on a daily basis, to make sure they do not short-change the authority and become nuisance to the society.
The Director who was visibly angry over total disregard for quit and stop work notices by a developer who carried on unperturbed inside the National Assembly Quarters, Apo, ordered that the property, a major expansion of a residential building without any approvals be demolished within 24-hours.
Galadima, therefore, warned the public to desist from building any structure in the nation’s capital without first obtaining approvals from relevant authorities, adding that hjs department would catch up with all illegal developers and correct them accordingly.
“This is a continuous exercise. Every Tuesday is dedicated to management sites’ visit, and the essence of the visits is to inspect areas that have peculiar challenges and gather ideas on how to resolve them.”
Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health has revealed that suspected COVID-19 emergencies can now be diagnosed on site.
According to him, this will drastically reduce Turn around and waiting Time, and allow better utilization of Observation rooms.
Ehanire gave this revelation at the Presidential Task Force briefing on Covid-19 on Thursday in Abuja, saying, we are continuing with plans to reduce case fatality rate to less than 1%, by optimizing response activities and cooperation with States according to the challenges they have.
While adding that, a new state molecular laboratory is currently being optimized in Kebbi and Bayelsa States, while a Gene Expert machine have been set up at National Hospital Abuja and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada, as was announced some weeks ago.
This means that suspected COVID-19 emergencies can now be diagnosed on site, which will drastically reduce Turn around and waiting Time, and allow better utilization of Observation rooms.
He stated that, this is a major advancement in handling distress experienced by patients arriving as emergencies in these hospitals. The UATH has also found access to supplementary medical oxygen supply, courtesy of the generosity of the Nigeria Air Force, who has a good oxygen plant in Yola.
As at today, 27th August, 2020, we have recorded 53,021 COVID-19 positive cases out of 391,502 samples tested while 40,281 persons have been treated and discharged. Sadly, we have lost 1,010 persons to the virus with a case fatality rate of 1.9%
Ehanire added, they be deploying material and human resource assets from the polio eradication to surveillance and fighting other disease outbreaks, including the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
While adding that, they shall sustain our interest in developments around covid-19 around the world and seek opportunities to exchange ideas with countries and organizations investing in new knowledge.
He further added that, training and retraining on infection prevention and Control is ongoing in all our facilities as well as ensuring availability of PPEs as an investment to continue the reduction in health worker infections. He also called on health workers to ensure judicious and prudent use of these PPEs materials, while observing full IPC measures.
Finally, I wish to remind all of us that COVID-19 is still with us and will be for the foreseeable future, till there is a vaccine available for it. We are exploring all options and opportunities to ensure that when vaccines are available Nigerians will be among beneficiaries. This includes assisting NAFDAC to reach the International Maturity Level to assure products and processes, and encouraging our researchers to work towards the development of vaccine candidates.
With the imperative to reopen our economy, relax local and international air travel to support restoration of livelihoods, the experience in other countries is that covid infection rates have gone up, in some cases, dramatically. We must strive therefore, not to lose our attention to preserving lives or lose the gains we have made over the months. The onus lies not only with the Ministry of Health, but is a shared responsibility with the populace.
Our safest, easiest and cheapest option of achieving a balance remains adherence to non-pharmaceutical measures, as we have preached so many times. With these measures, we can balance or uphold our indices.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria Country Representative, Dr walter Kazadi Mulombo WHO has congratulated Nigeria and the entire African Continent on the declaration of wild polio virus free certification that was announced on 25 August 2020.
Saying, the massive public health achievement, was made possible due to the leadership and commitment of governments, global polio partners, traditional and religious institutions, frontline health workers and vaccinators.
He made this known on Thursday in Abuja, on occasion of a World Press Conference on Thursday, 27th of August 2020 at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja following the August 25th official declaration of Nigeria and the African Region as Polio Free, while adding that, it is a moment to celebrate the many individuals that worked tirelessly to make this milestone possible.
Mulombo further stated that, the certification demonstrates what Nigeria and other African countries can accomplish when goals are backed by strong political commitment.
According to him; ” Nigeria’s battle with wild polio has been long and complex. I therefore commend the Government of Nigeria for the steadfast commitment in leading a massive national effort over the past couple of decades. The leadership of the Presidential Task Force facilitated oversight of the programme at the highest level, drawing on the necessary resources and holding states accountable for their responsibilities.
” Nigeria is lauded for several innovations that were devised to address the prevailing challenges under the strong coordination of the National Polio Emergency Operations Center. The lessons and expertise from the Nigeria experience have been useful to address other disease outbreaks and are currently being deployed to strengthen routine immunization and primary health care”, he stated.
Mulombo, however, thanked donors and partners for their full support to the polio eradication effort. The unwavering support was critical for supporting the government to implement the recommended strategies. We appreciate your commitment and count on you to continue supporting the Nigeria towards global certification and PHC systems strengthening.
He , therefore, stressed that; “As we mark this milestone, we must emphasize the need to be vigilant to prevent resurgence of wild polio virus given the disease has not been eradicated globally. 102 wild polio virus cases have so far been reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan this year.
Additionally, we are faced with the continued threat of vaccine derived polio viruses – 16 countries in the region are experiencing circulating vaccine derived polio virus outbreaks. Nigeria and the region can defeat cVDPVs and protect against WPV importation if all commit to increasing vaccination coverage and strengthening disease surveillance.
He added that, WHO looks forward to supporting you to build on the great success achieved to continuing the effort to close immunity gaps through a strong routine immunization and primary health care system.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire added that, this achievement was made possible by the strong commitment of the President of the Federal Republic and of Federal, State and Local Governments, with the support of Development Partners, Sponsors and Donors, Traditional, Religious and Community leaders, and not the least, thousands of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) staff and gallant frontline health workers, who moved from house to house, community to community, vaccinating children, sometimes under difficult and daunting circumstances.
According to him, declaring Nigeria as a polio virus free state is particularly significant for us, coming at a time when we are on the threshold of fostering an evolution in the health sector, built on the revelations and opportunities provided by the COVID-19 outbreak and inspired by the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that, the Federal Government, through NPCHDA, has mapped out various polio assets across the country and started deploying them for the purpose of other disease interventions. I urge State Governors to support this effort and begin to implement the transition of the experienced polio human resources for Health, to other areas of the health sector, especially at Primary care level. This new era can be the rallying point for progress and development of Health on the African continent and our country. This is my message for you today.
Thank you for your attention and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has revealed that, there is possibility that chloroquine could effectively treat Covid-19 at the early stage of infection.
She buttressed her point, saying, a research shown that chloroquine is effective for the treatment of COVID-19 at the early stage of infection.
While adding that, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had earlier hinted that the drugs may not be effective for the infection.
The NAFDAC boss gave this hint, during a virtual news conference in Abuja, saying, “In June, the FDA withdrew its approval for the emergency use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19.
She added that; “chloroquine can be used prophylactically and that countries like Ghana and Senegal have also embraced the clinical use of chloroquine for treatment.
“It is not only one drug that is effective for COVID-19 treatment but that it depends on the stage and the phases of the disease.
“On March 20, this year, I had a press briefing. At that time, people did not understand what clinical trial treatment meant. Once they hear treatment, they think you can use it anyhow. But clinical trial treatment is a research study to see whether the drug will work or not.
“In the press briefing, I said I was going through literature to see what others have done and I saw in a particular literature, a reliable publication of an article, about chloroquine and remdesivir.
Adeyeye continued; “They said in the cell culture, remdesivir and chloroquine killed COVID-19 viruses, that is, invitro – in the laboratory. But you cannot translate that to humans unless a clinical trial is done.
“I kept looking. About two weeks or so later in early March; there was a publication where 100 patients were treated with chloroquine across ten hospitals in six cities, including Wuhan. It said that all of them recovered from the symptoms. They called it that time pneumonia symptom.
“In the cells; in the lab, remdesivir and chloroquine killed COVID-19. We did not know that the disease has four stages that include pre-exposure, early-stage, severe stage and post-infection.
“At what stage would they be more effective? We didn’t know at that point. Now, we are realising that chloroquine is effective at the early stage”, she explained.
Adeyeye added that reports have also shown that remdesivir works at the last stage of the infection.
She, however, noted that the cost of treating a patient with chloroquine was cheaper than remdesivir.
NAFDAC boss added that, “Now we are talking of remdesivir. We met with Gilead , the maker of remdesivir about two months ago and they came. They said they have licensed their drug to five Indian companies and one Pakistani company,” she said.
She revealed that, “To treat an average patient will cost about $10 with chloroquine and cost about $2,500 with remdesivir.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has congratulated Nigeria on being declared free of the wild poliovirus.
While stressing that achieving this milestone is not the end of the job – all children under five years must continue to be vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Saying, this is critical to significantly reduce avoidable mortality in Nigerian children under 5 years old, keep polio permanently out of Nigeria, and ensure better health and well being for future generations.
The UN agencies in a joint statement made available to newsmen in Abuja also congratulated fellow Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners in Nigeria who helped reach this achievement: Rotary International; the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC); Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI); as well as Nigerian traditional and religious leaders and volunteer community mobilisers – the latter, the foot soldiers who fought to free the children of Nigeria from the wild poliovirus.
WHO Nigeria Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulumbo, said, “WHO rejoices with the people and government of Nigeria and acknowledges that wild polio-free certification is undoubtedly the greatest public health triumph in the annals of Nigeria and indeed Africa that will bequeath to posterity lessons learnt and best practices for addressing future public health interventions.”
Both UN agencies expressed strong appreciation for the role played by all stakeholders, especially the commitment and support of the Nigerian government at all levels, development partners, donors, traditional and community leaders, health workers and caregivers.
“This milestone is a clarion call to urgently rededicate resources to stopping the transmission of all types of poliovirus, strengthening routine immunization to sustain the gains achieved – especially in high risk areas and traditional polio sanctuaries – and maintaining high quality surveillance,’’ said Dr. Mulumbo.
Meanwhile, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Peter Hawkins, added that, “It is a momentous achievement that calls for celebration” “This historic achievement not only signifies the end of the wild poliovirus across the entire African continent, but is also a significant springboard towards attaining global polio eradication.”
“UNICEF joins Nigeria in celebrating this milestone – and congratulating Nigeria’s children, especially – but we must remember that the job is not over,” said Hawkins.
“All caregivers must continue to vaccinate their children against vaccine-preventable childhood diseases, including polio. Religious and community leaders, as champions of wild poliovirus eradication, should continue to mobilize caregivers to vaccinate their children for all preventable diseases. Children need their help now more than ever.”
“Not only is polio vaccination still crucial, all routine vaccinations are critical to children’s survival. We must all work together to strengthen routine immunisation services and ensure that all children under five receive all vaccines, including the polio vaccine.”
“This is not the time for Nigeria to take its foot off the accelerator. This is the time for Nigeria to strengthen its primary health care system, and give routine immunisation a vital boost.”
UNICEF and WHO pledge to continue to support Nigeria to strengthen its Primary Healthcare system under the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUR) policy initiated by the Federal Government, including the goal to have at least one functional primary healthcare centre (PHC) in every ward in Nigeria.
Nigeria attained wild polio-free status after meeting all the criteria for certification, which include three years of non-detection of any wild poliovirus case in the country.
It would be recalled that before the certification, Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan were the only wild polio endemic countries globally.
