The recent declaration of Nigeria as polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has come as big relief to Nigerians, bearing in mind that as recent as 2012, Nigeria accounted for half of the number of polio cases in the world.
According to the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), this is no mean feat for which the Muhammadu Buhari administration should get some accolades, and for which Nigerians should roll out the drums in celebration.
The group in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke, recalled that when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office in 2015 he made a strong commitment to bequeath a sustainable health system to the country, and the administration swung into action and mapped out various strategies to realise the President’s vision. “The eradication of poliomyelitis is a testimony to his efforts.
‘It is, therefore, necessary to not only celebrate with Nigerians this landmark achievement but to also commend President Muhammadu Buhari for leading the struggle towards eradicating poliomyelitis in Nigeria.
“We should also acknowledge several local and international donors who played significant roles to help Nigeria attain this height. Such organisations include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Sir, Emeka Offor Foundation, Dangote Foundation, USAID, European Union, Global Health Canada, WHO, and UNICEF, among others.
“We note that the eradication of polio in Nigeria over the years did not yield the desired result due to lack of political will by past leaders, as well as the pervasive corruption that discouraged international donors from helping in the fight to fully eradicate polio from our shores.
“We also wish to restate that it was on account of President Buhari’s honesty and commitment towards eradicating the ravaging sickness that local and international donors and organisations renewed their interest in assisting Nigeria to be fully cured of poliomyelitis”.
BMO also called on all the stakeholders in the effort to eradicate polio from Nigeria to ensure that this milestone is sustained so that Nigerian children yet unborn will live healthy and fruitful lives.