Japan backs fight against polio with N662m
From Okumephuna Chukwunwike, Abuja
NIGERIA'S fresh onslaught against polio has been boosted by the Japanese government with a donation of N662 million ($4.5 million) to the national immunisation scheme.
The fund will be managed by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for effective and adequate coverage of the country.
The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Akira Matsui and UNICEF Senior Project Officer, Mr. Stanley Hall, signed the pact in Abuja on Monday. The ceremony was witnessed by the Health Minister, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo.
Matsui expressed delight that all states in the country agreed to join the fight against the childhood disease.
He said: "I sincerely welcome the development where all Nigerian stakeholders are finally sharing the importance of the polio eradication and routine immunisation.
"However, in terms of poliomyelitis, it is reported that 430 cases of wild polio virus (WPV) were detected in Nigeria from January to June this year. This figure already exceeded the 355 cases recorded last year".
The envoy explained that the critical situation compelled the government of Japan to support routine immunisation in Nigeria especially the polio eradication, measles control and strengthening of cold-chain system through UNICEF, Nigeria.
Matsui gave the amount involved as 501 million Yen, about $4.51 million (N662 million) for the procurement of polio vaccine and cold-chain system.
Lambo thanked the Japanese government for the kind gesture, which he said, would bring relief to Nigerian children.
He asked Japan to engage both Nigerian and foreign experts on consultancy services to achieve the desired results.
The minister further urged Japan to strengthen the existing cold-chain systems in Nigeria's councils.
"Our current requirements, therefore, to complement government's effort in the complete implementation of this plan includes two cold vans, 399,000 units of ice pack freezers, 38,000 units of freezers, 13,153,000 unit of generators and 518,000 units of motorcycles", Lambo said.
In his response, Hall eulogised the Japanese government for its support in the eradication of polio and other diseases in Nigeria.
