President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed optimism that African countries can defeat COVID-19 in the same manner it eradicated the Wild Polio Virus on the continent.
Buhari made the declaration on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at the State House, Abuja.
Equally important, the President was speaking at the formal certification of the Wild Polio Virus eradication in the African region. Specifically, his speech came during the virtual session of the 70th World Health Organisation (WHO) regional committee for Africa.
‘‘I recall that shortly after assuming office in May 2015; I made a pledge to Nigerians that I would not bequeath a polio-endemic country to my successor.
‘‘This certification is, therefore, a personal fulfilment of that pledge to not only Nigerians; but to all Africans,’’ Buhari said.
‘‘At a time when the global community is battling the COVID-19 pandemic; this achievement strengthens my conviction that with the requisite political will, investments and strategies; as well as citizens’ commitment, we will flatten the epidemic curve.
‘‘I can affirm the commitment of all African leaders to this course of action,’’ the president said in his remarks while celebrating the historic feat.
Further, President Buhari assured the global community that Nigeria would sustain the momentum; adding that the country would leverage on the lessons learnt from polio eradication to strengthen her health system; especially primary health care, and prioritise health security.
He revealed that Nigeria used data systems, community engagement and innovative technology to monitor and predict the occurrence of polio outbreaks. Buhari affirmed that the same skills and tools are being used to fight COVID-19; as well as the multi-country outbreaks of Circulating Vaccine Derived Polio Viruses.
The president, who described the achievement as a truly historic moment; commended President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Chairman of the African Union; under whose leadership, Africa crossed the finishing line.
He recounted that the journey to eradicate the virus dated back to 1996; when Nelson Mandela of blessed memory launched the Kick Polio out of Africa campaign.
The Nigerian leader also used the occasion to congratulate Dr Matshidiso Moeti; as well as the WHO Regional Committee for Africa on their untiring efforts; contributions and leadership towards polio eradication in Africa.
‘‘We must guard this achievement of the eradication of Wild Polio Virus in Africa jealously and ensure that we take all necessary steps to prevent a resurgence of this dreaded disease.
‘‘This will require maintaining the highest quality of surveillance and sustaining population immunity; through increasing routine immunization coverage and supplemental immunization activities.
‘‘It is heartwarming to note how the strong partnership between the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and Governments of African countries worked tirelessly and collaboratively to deliver this success,’’ he said.
Furthermore, the president commended the decades of hard work and resilience of health workers and volunteers across the region; Ministers of Health and other stakeholders such as political, traditional, religious and community leaders; who provided the required support and leadership.
‘‘I would also like to appreciate the invaluable support of our donors, development and local partners; such as WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation; United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, GAVI, USAID, European Union, Emeka Offor Foundation; the Japanese and German Governments, numerous NGOs and faith-based organisations.
‘‘These are truly the heroes and heroines of many battles that have made us triumphant in the war against polio,’’ he said.
