The World Health Organization (WHO) Monday formally declared Nigeria, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) free nation.
Addressing newsmen at a press conference organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, Country Representative of the WHO, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz, who made the declaration said:
“The Ebola outbreak in Nigeria has been defeated. This is a spectacular success story that shows to the world that Ebola can be contained.
“The war will only end when West Africa is also declared free. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to use this opportunity on behalf of the WHO Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan and WHO Regional Director for Africa, to congratulate the government of Federal Republic of Nigeria through his excellence, President Goodluck Jonathan, the people of Nigeria and all stakeholders that made it possible to contain the Ebola virus in Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu attributed the success recorded to good leadership and collaborations among respective partners.
He used the occasion to commend those who have contributed in one way or the other to the success story.
According to the Minister, they include Mrs. Justina Egelohun, Mrs. Evelyn Uku, Dr. Adadevoh, Dr. Adaorah, Dr. Fadipe Akiniyi, Dr. Maurice Ibauchi and the management of First Consultant Hospital.
Chukwu also hailed the Governors of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola; Enugu, Sulivan Chime and Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi as well as their Commissioners for Health and Permanent Secretaries.
In his contribution, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Haliru , noted that the partnership with development partners contributed to the containment of the deadly virus in Nigeria.
His words, “Our border crossing is one of our weaknesses, so the NCS should be watchful. We have security challenges. So we hope for more collaborations with our development partners to further contain future epidemic”.
On his part, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku attributed the success to divine intervention and political commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan.
He also commended the collective efforts of medical officials and stakeholders in the fight against Ebola, urging continuous public awareness on health issues.
Maku, called on personnel responsible for monitoring Nigeria’s borders not to relent while also commending the media for their strong public awareness.
