Nigeria has the worst polio record – Dr. David Okello
WHO representative in the country announces in Lagos that we have the worst polio record.
WHO’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr. David Okello, announced this in Lagos at the installation ceremony of the new District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, Dr. Kamoru Omotosho, which occurred yesterday.
Okello, noted that Nigeria was ranked alongside two other countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, who are both still grappling with the problem.
“Nigeria is now the largest contributor of global polio burden -nearly 60 per cent. Nigeria is also the only country in the world to have all three types of polio virus — Type 1, Type 3, and circulating vaccine-derived Type 2 viruses,” Okello said.
He explained that the transmission of the disease in Nigeria poses a real threat to the global polio eradication effort.
Northern Nigeria is worst hit, as Okello stated that of the 49 cases reported in the country currently, “two-thirds are from four particular sanctuaries — the northern states of Borno, Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara.”
Okello however, commended the concerted efforts of Rotarians worldwide at eradicating the disease as well as committing their expertise and resources to improving the welfare of communities.
Yinka has taught at various levels of education. He has published a textbook on effective teaching practice and several academic papers in reputable journals. He is currently an education consultant. He loves writing, poetry, music and is presently working on a musical album billed to be released into the market soon.
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Tagged Afghanistan, David Okello, Nigeria, WHO
