EU group seeks support for polio fight in Nigeria

The European Union Support to Immunisation Governance in Nigeria (EU-SIGN) has called on government, religious and traditional leaders to support the eradication of polio as well as reduction of child morbidity and mortality in the country.

Thee acting Team Leader, Technical Assistant Team of the EU-SIGN, Aminatu Sidibe, made the appeal during the launch of project at the weekend in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Represented by Salihu Nasir, she said Nigeria will be certified polio-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) if no incidence is recorded in the country between this month and next.

Also speaking at the event, Governor Adams Oshiomhole commended development partners for their collaboration towards ensuring that women and children in the state were healthy.

Deputised by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the governor noted that the project would benefit the under-five population in the state, calling on stakeholders to ensure its success.

In his remarks, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammed, said the programme, which already has visibility in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would contribute greatly to reducing childhood morbidity and mortality in the country.

Represented by the National Focal Person, EU-SIGN Nigeria, Dr. Adam Dawud, the NPHCDA boss added that the project is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to making 10,000 primary health care clinics functional in the country.