Thomson Reuters Foundation: Progress in Nigeria brings humanity closer to ending polio
Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa

“…Nigeria’s success in turning its [polio] eradication program around offers important lessons which are now being taken up in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where polio is still endemic. The first lesson is that government leadership at all levels is critical. … Constant innovations to polio vaccination campaigns have also been essential in helping us work through major challenges and getting the right vaccines to the poorest and most marginalized communities. … Frontline health workers are the ultimate key to ending polio. … Underpinning success is the support of the international community. … The momentous progress we’ve seen in Nigeria and across the African continent gives us hope that we can eradicate polio globally. Now is not the time for complacency; in fact, we must redouble our efforts and see this challenging journey through to the end…” (10/29).