Jonathan Hails WHO’s Declaration On Nigeria Over Ebola

Posted by African Examiner Ebola News, Featured, Latest Headlines, News Monday, October 20th, 2014

President Goodluck Jonathan has hailed Monday declaration by the World Health Organisation (WHO), of Nigeria as Ebola-free country.

President Jonathan in a statement issued Monday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati dedicated the certification to the many patriotic health workers, volunteers and ordinary Nigerians who worked tirelessly, including those who paid the ultimate price, to stop the deadly virus in its track after it broke in the country, July this year.

Mr. President seized the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation of the contributions of state governments, WHO and other international health organisations, relatives of infected persons and other Nigerians who either courageously underwent the rigours of being quarantined or complied with all directives issued by health authorities to defeat the virus.

Jonathan viewed Nigeria’s globally-acclaimed success against Ebola as a testimony to what Nigerians could achieve if they set aside their differences and work together.

He therefore called on Nigerians to strive to replicate the “unity of purpose and all-hands-on-deck approach” adopted against Ebola in other areas of national life.

“As the nation applauds the success of its collective effort to stop the transmission of the Ebola Virus within Nigeria however, the President warns that the entire country must remain fully alert and vigilant against the re-entry of the virus.

“President Jonathan fully shares the view expressed by WHO in its congratulatory message to Nigeria that while we have won a battle against Ebola, the war will only truly end when West Africa, Africa and the world are declared free of Ebola” the statement noted.

Consequently, the President has directed that all the anti-Ebola measures taken after the entry of the virus into the country should remain in place while health officials should continue to actively screen persons entering the country through its air, land and sea borders for any sign of the virus.

He also urged Nigerians to continue to comply with the anti-Ebola advisories on sanitation and personal hygiene issued by Federal and State Health authorities.

WHO’s declaration came after 42 days without any incidence of the suspected or confirmed EVD case.