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UNICEF Vows to Eradicate Polio in 3 Years

Daily Trust (Abuja)

June 19, 2003
Posted to the web June 19, 2003

Abdulfatai Abdulsalami
Sokoto

The United Nations International Children's Education Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated its determination to eradicate polio within the next three years in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference at Shukura hotel, Sokoto, yesterday, the UNICEF country representative in Nigeria, Dr. Ezio Murzi said, "we are determined to begin the eradication of polio by the beginning of next year," adding that they hope to fully eradicate it in the next two or three years."

He explained that UNICEF is also committed to its first millennium development goal coming up in 2005, which he described as gender disparity.

He noted that UNICEF will be working with Governors particularly in the Northern part of the country where the issue of gender disparity between girls and boys is most common.

Mr. Murzi said that UNICEF will liaise with leaders of thought, religious leader's and other stakeholders to promote education and eradicate polio in the society.

He expressed UNICEF's happiness with the federal government for approving the Child Rights Bill adding that UNICEF also calls on all governors to "please pass this Bill at the states level as soon as possible."

Mr. Murzi said that to eradicate child labour, education, he said was the answer, noting that children need good quality education, adding that whenever there is a question of economy the need to provide the family with some measures to alleviate the problem at the economic level becomes imperative.