The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday in Abuja officially certified Nigeria free of Ebola. The declaration was made by the WHO Country Director, Ruiz Gama Vaz, at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre.
There have been doubts on whether Nigeria truly got rid of the virus or the supposed Ebola freedom is all publicity stunt.
However, Vaz explained that October 20, 2014 made 42 days since the last case of Ebola was reported in Nigeria. This, he said, was twice the incubation period of the virus, which means the transmission cycle has been destroyed.
“WHO officially declares that Nigeria is now free of Ebola,” he said. “The outbreak in Nigeria has been defeated.” He said Nigeria’s success is an indication that the disease can be conquered in the rest of West Africa.
“The battle has been won, but the war is not over yet since Ebola is still in West Africa,” he added.
He warned Nigeria that it is not yet Uhuru, saying Ebola remains a threat as long as other West African countries are still battling it.