The World Health Organisation has declared Nigeria free of the Ebola Virus Disease.
The Country Representative of the WHO, Dr. Rui Gama Vaz, made the declaration during a briefing organised by the Federal Ministry of Health, on Monday 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 Excellency, 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.
Chukwu gave tribute to those who have contributed largely to the success. They include – Mrs. Justina Egelohun, Mrs. Evelyn Uku, Dr. Stella Armeyor 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 and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lagos, Dr. Olukayode Oguntimeyin, among others.
The 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.
