The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo has said that Nigeria’s fourth place ranking in response to Covid-19 was commendable, even though the ranking was done by some independent media, not the WHO.
Mulombo said this yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the commencement of Nigeria’s second phase of the COVID-19 vaccines programme at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Jabi Abuja.
The WHO representative noted that Nigeria had mounted one of the most effective responses to COVID-19, putting in place courageous measures and helping to avert the spread that was predicted.
He stated: “Some independent media analysis had previously presented a ranking for top 10 countries, with Nigeria appearing on fourth position. It should be noted, however, that this is not a WHO ranking.
“The Global Normalcy Index ranked Nigeria fourth position in the Economist’s Global Normalcy Index, out of 50 countries, which is commendable,” he said.
Mulombo stressed that while the Federal Government deserved commendation, Nigerians too deserved praise for cooperating with the government throughout the difficult times.
“As I always mentioned at different fora, vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19.
“These vaccines are safe and effective and will be the game-changer. But for the foreseeable future, we must continue wearing masks, observe physical distance and avoid crowds.
“I will like to remind everyone, that most countries, including Nigeria, are currently experiencing the third wave of COVID-19 outbreaks,” he said.