The U.S. Government has reiterated its commitment to work with the Nigerian Government to improve the health and wellbeing of Nigerians as part of the long-standing diplomatic, economic, and socio-cultural ties between both countries.
The Public Affairs department of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the Embassy, Ms. Kathleen FitzGibbon, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy in Abuja made this known during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.
It stated that FitzGibbon led a delegation of U.S. agencies working in the health sector on the courtesy visit.
Contained in the statement, FitzGibbon recognized the Minister’s leadership in the health sector and appreciated the Nigerian Government’s effort to increase its funding for public health programmes.
“The delegation congratulated Nigeria for having no reported case of the wild poliovirus for the last three years, which sets Nigeria on the track to being certified Polio-free.
“And encouraged the government to finish that effort through approving and releasing funds for polio transition and strengthening routine immunisations.
“The Chargé acknowledged the strong partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria and commended the Nigerian Government for its efforts to improve Primary Health Care.
“As well as its commitment to reduce the burden of malaria, HIV, TB, vaccine-preventable diseases, and other infectious diseases.
“These diseases remain of critical concern as they constitute high-burden diseases in Nigeria, bringing with them additional economic hardship on its citizens,” it stated.
In the statement, FitzGibbon reiterated U.S. support for the training of public health workers and improving access to quality medicines, vaccines, medical facilities, and reproductive health materials.
