The World Health Organisation (WHO), has declared Nigeria, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) free nation.
Country Representative of the WHO, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz made the declaration during Ebola briefing organised by the Federal Ministry of Health, today in Abuja.
Vaz 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."
The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu attributed the success to good leadership and collaborations among respective partners. He specially lauded President Goodluck Jonathan for his strong leadership quality towards containing the EVD.
Chukwu gave tribute to those who have contributed largely to the success. They includes among others, Mrs. Justina Egelohun, Mrs. Evelyn Uku, Dr. Adadevoh, Dr. Adaorah, Dr. Fadipe Akiniyi, Dr. Maurice Ibauchi and the management of First Consultant Hospital.
Others are Governor of Lagos, Enugu and Rivers including their Commissioners for Health. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lagos, Dr. Olukayode Oguntimeyin among others.
Minister of state for health, Dr. Haliru Alhassan attributed the success to strong partnership with development partners.
He called for more proactive measures to control infections in the country.
He insisted that personal hygiene should be a thing of interest, adding that the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) should intensify their efforts to protect the territorial borders.
"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," Alhassan said.
The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku attributed the success on divine intervention and political commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Maku said within three months, the nation was able to completely contain the Ebola virus. He lauded the strong collective efforts from the medical officials and called for continous public awareness on health issues.
He also charged the security officials, especially officers of the Nigera Customs Service (NCS) to adequately man the nation's border. He lauded the media for their strong public awareness and sensitisation.
In attendance were DG, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Chief Medical Director, Centre for Disease Control (CDC), representatives from Enugu and Rivers state.
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