The Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, has expressed his appreciation to health workers for their selfless service to the nation. He said that their knowledge, training and expertise have continued to save lives and heal millions of Nigerians. Dr. Alhassan stated this today in a chat with journalists.
The Minister observed that due to their professional diligence, Nigeria has achieved the World Health Organization (WHO) Leprosy elimination target of less than 1 case per 10,000 populations. He maintained that their commitment had resulted in Nigeria being certified Guinea Worm free by the World Health Organization, while also achieving unprecedented progress in curtailing the Wild Polio Virus. He disclosed that Nigeria has successfully ended its ninth month without any reported case of the disease, noting that if this is sustained, by July 2015, the country will be removed from the list of polio endemic countries in accordance with WHO guidelines.
While recalling the bravery of health personnel on the front line of providing medical care during the incident of the Ebola Virus Disease brought into the country in July 2014, the Minister remarked that it was their sacrifice and dedication that contributed in no small measure to ensuring that the Virus was quickly contained and Nigeria certified Ebola free on October 20, 2014 by the World Health Organization.
Dr. Alhassan commended the altruism of health workers who work long hours in difficult conditions, oftentimes, putting themselves at risk in order to provide care. He described their dedication as the “Noble spirit of duty, dedication and compassion that characterizes health workers.”
While thanking all workers in the health sector, he urged them not to relent in their efforts and to always lay emphasis on effective teamwork for the benefit of Nigerians and for the progress of the nation.
Ayotunde Adesugba (Mrs.)
Director Press and Public Relations
