Bornu State is the epicenter of this recent set back, being the state where 2 children have been paralyzed from the dreaded wild polio virus. It almost brings to nothing the efforts and desires of Nigerians who are already awaiting the formal declaration of the nation as Polio-free.As an immediate priority, the Government of Nigeria is collaborating with WHO and other partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to respond urgently and prevent more children from being paralyzed. These steps include conducting large-scale immunization campaigns and strengthening surveillance systems that help catch the virus early. These activities are also being strengthened in neighboring countries.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti has this to say…
“We are deeply saddened by the news that 2 Nigerian children have been paralyzed by polio. The Government has made significant strides to stop this paralyzing disease in recent years. The overriding priority now is to rapidly immunize all children around the affected area and ensure that no other children succumb to this terrible disease”
Also, the Director of polio eradication at WHO Headquarters, Dr. Michel Zaffran expressed optimism about the efforts of the Nigerian Government in this recent setback…
“We are confident that with a swift response and strong collaboration with the Nigerian Government, we can soon rid the country of polio once and for all. This is an important reminder that the world cannot afford to be complacent as we are on the brink of polio eradication – we will only be done when the entire world has been certified polio-free”.
