By Becky John
The Minister of Health, Dr Khaliru Alhassan, has commended health workers for their cooperation and selflessness in the implementation of reforms in the sector under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. The commendation is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday by Mrs Ayotunde Adesugba, the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health. According to the statement, Alhassan expresses his appreciation to health workers for their selfless service to the nation.
It said their knowledge, training and expertise had continued to save lives and heal millions of Nigerians. It said due to workers’ professional diligence, Nigeria had achieved the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) leprosy elimination target of less than 1 case per 10,000 persons.
“The commitment of Nigerian health workers had resulted in Nigeria being certified Guinea Worm free by the WHO. “Achieving unprecedented progress in curtailing the Wild Polio Virus has also been as a result of the efforts of the health workers. “Nigeria has successfully ended its ninth month without any reported case of the disease. “If this is sustained, by July 2015, the country will be removed from the list of polio endemic countries in accordance with WHO guidelines.’’
The statement quoted the minister as recalling the bravery of health personnel on the front line of providing medical care during the outbreak of the Ebola disease.
The minister remarked that it was their sacrifice and dedication that contributed in no small measure to ensuring that the virus was quickly contained.
The minister urged them not to relent in their efforts and to always lay emphasis on effective teamwork for the benefit of Nigerians.
