•‘States not committing funds to polio eradication’
THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally removed Nigeria from the list of polio-endemic countries, meaning the African continent is free of the crippling disease.
Nigeria has reported no cases of polio for 15 months, overcoming obstacles from Islamic extremists, who assassinated vaccinators, as well as rumours that the vaccine was a plot to sterilise Muslims.
Just 20 years ago, Nigeria was recording 1,000 polio cases a year – the highest in the world.
Two countries are left on the list of polio-endemic countries – Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Rotary International last week donated $26.8 million to African countries to ensure the disease doesn’t return, including $6.9 million to Nigeria.