WHO removes Nigeria from list of polio endemic countries, last African country on list
LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) _ The U.N. World Health Organization is formally removing Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries, meaning the entire African continent is free of the crippling disease.
A WHO statement said Monday’s move comes after Nigeria reported no new cases for 15 months _ after overcoming obstacles ranging from Islamic extremists who assassinated vaccinators to rumours the vaccine was a plot to sterilize Muslims.
Just 20 years ago Nigeria was recording 1,000 polio cases a year _ the highest in the world.
Rotary International last week announced a donation of $26.8 million to African countries to ensure the disease doesn’t return, including $6.9 million to Nigeria. Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari promised to increase surveillance and immunization.
www.usnews.com
Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora.
Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.
