By Chioma Umeha
The U.S. Government, in partnership with the
Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), today inaugurated
a state-of-the-art polio modular laboratory at University College Hospital,
Ibadan, to improve the efficiency of polio diagnosis in Nigeria through
reliable environmental sampling.
While examining the ultra-modern amenities with
representatives of the Federal Government, U.S. Consul General John Bray
observed that the new facility, which cost an estimated $400,000, exists
alongside a World Health Organization (WHO) accredited polio laboratory in
Ibadan, but is the first one in the country equipped to detect the wild polio
virus from waste water.
“This new facility will enhance Nigeria’s ability
to respond to polio outbreaks quickly, by promptly diagnosing polio from
samples received from the 48 environmental sewage sites across the country.”
Consul General Bray noted.
“The eradication of poliomyelitis will be
accomplished only when polio laboratories provide convincing diagnostic
evidence of the absence of wild poliovirus infections in humans and prolonged
circulation in the environment,” he added.
More than 70 participants attended the event,
including Nigerian government officials, representatives of donor agencies, UN
agencies and Rotary International.
To help Nigeria address its high mortality rates,
USAID helps increase access to quality family planning and reproductive health
services, immunizations, polio eradication, malaria prevention and maternal
health services. USAID also provides technical support to immunization
campaigns through social mobilization, and other activities.
