WHO delists Nigeria from countries with polio epidemic

September 26, 2015 – World Health Organisation(WHO) on Friday delisted Nigeria from countries with polio epidemics.

“This is the first time that Nigeria has interrupted transmission of wild poliovirus, bringing the country and the African region closer than ever to being certified polio-free”, WHO said in a statement.

It is a historic achievement, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the public-private partnership leading the effort to eradicate polio said of the feat.

Nigeria has not reported a case of wild poliovirus since 24 July 2014, and all laboratory data have confirmed a full 12 months have passed without any new cases.

“The removal of Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries is a major victory for Nigeria’s children. It is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the Government of Nigeria, local leaders, and front line workers. And it is proof positive that if we work together in partnership to reach every community and immunize every child, we can finish the job of eradicating this evil disease everywhere, once and for all, ” Executive Director, UNICEF, Mr. Anthony Lake said of the development.

Up till 2012, Nigeria accounted for more than half of all polio cases worldwide.

This success according to WHO is the result of a concerted effort by all levels of government, civil society, religious leaders and tens of thousands of dedicated health workers.

“More than 200,000 volunteers across the country repeatedly immunized more than 45 million children under the age of five years, to ensure that no child would suffer from this paralysing disease. Innovative approaches, such as increased community involvement and the establishment of Emergency Operations Centres at the national and state level, have also been pivotal to Nigeria’s success”, it added.