The Minister for Health, Prof. Onyebuuchi Chuku said it is imperative for the Federal Government to eradicate polio in Nigeria.
The Minister made the remark in an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt at the Polo Club Golf Section of the Port Harcourt Club to mark the end of “End Polo Now Golf Tournament,” over the weekend, organized by Rotary Club International District 9140, Port Harcourt.
On the role of government to eradicate polio in the country, Prof. Chuku stated that they are partnering with Rotary International in the campaign against polio. He said the government is doing its best, especially in the provision of resources and good leadership as the president has inaugurated a Presidential Task Force in polio headed by the Minister for State for Health.
The Minister explained that the Federal Government in conjunction with states and local governments also provided human resources to checkmate and eradicate polio.
Answering questions on the percent of performance so far, the Health Minister stated that progress has been made so far.
The Minister also affirmed the commitment of government to finally put the disease to an end as some countries of the world has done.
He stated that the transmission of polio was reduced by 58% between 2012 and 2013.
Prof. Chuku told reporters that by the end of 2014 polio virus will be eliminated just like “guinea worm”.
He therefore, appealed to well meaning Nigerians to support the event as he is also a member of the District.
On the elimination of malaria, the Minister said a lot f plans are in top gear to put an end to malaria by the Economic Council of States where modalities are been put in place to scale down the level of infection through the use of the net while destroying the larva as the main target.
Earlier in his key note address the Minister of Health said government is fully committed to polio eradication as he appreciated the efforts of Rotary International and the effort of other stakeholders.
Also speaking, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9140, Dr. Charles Onianwa said the event is to create awareness and raise funds for the continue effort towards eradicating of polio.
Dr. Onianwa said Rotary has done some researches, productions and distributions of vaccines for the immunization of polio among kids.
Highlight of the event was the Tee off by the Minister of Health who played 9 holes in the tournament and the presentation of awards and dinner where the overall winner went to Mr. Tunde Jackson.
Others dignitaries at the event was the first military Administrator of Old Rivers State and the Amanyanabo of Twon Brass, HRM King Alfred Diette-Spiff, Dr. G.T.G Toby and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health Bayelsa State. ####
