BY Ben Agande

Abuja—President Goodluck Jonathan was yesterday presented with what could be described as a centenary gift, as the World Health Organisation declared Nigeria Guinea worm free.

Jonathan, who received the certificate from the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the recognition by the world body would further boost his administration’s commitment to fight other endemic diseases as HIV/ AIDs, Malaria, Tuberculosis and polio.

The President commended the Federal Ministry of Health and collaborative support of the Nigerian Guinea Worm Eradication Programme, the World Health Organisation, the Carter Centre, UNICEF and Yakubu Gowon Centre, for their efforts that resulted in the eradication of guinea worm disease in the country.
The President said:  “We are pleased today to receive from the Director General, Dr. Margaret Chang, the  certificate from the WHO indicating that Nigeria is now a guinea worm free country.”