Mbabane: World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Africa free from wild polio.
This was disclosed by WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Matshidiso Moeti during the virtual session of the 70th Regional Committee for Africa. Dr. Moeti said this will be momentous milestone for Africa as it marks only second eradication of a virus from the face of the continent since smallpox 40 years ago.
Dr. Moeti added that now the future generations of African children can live free of wild poliovirus.
WHO Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus labelled the declaration as another public health triumph. Dr. Tendros said this is an incredible achievement, and a much-needed cause for celebration.
Dr. Tendros said the infrastructure built up and the lessons learned through the polio eradication efforts are vital tools that countries must apply to the many other health challenges they face and to strengthening health systems to progress towards for health for all.
The WHO Chief assured that his organization will continue supporting the continent in all possible ways to suppress transmissions and save lives. He added that through their special programme on primary health care they will work with the African continent to strengthen the foundations of health systems.
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