Iheanacho Nwosu, Abuja
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, has lauded the role played by former President Goodluck Jonathan in funding research into the Ebola scourge while in offie, adding that the step had led to the control of the epidemic in the country.
He spoke in Abuja, during his investiture with a fellowship award by the Nigerian Council of Physicians, alongside a fellowship of the West African College of Natural Medicine.
Iwu, also praised former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, for his pragmatic approach by putting money into the disease’s research, when the scourge hit the country.
The quick funding of research into the scourge, he noted was instrumental to its immediate containment, despite the few deaths recorded.
While emphasing the importance of research funding in containment of epidemics and other health challenges, he also disclosed that Jonathan released N2 billion, through the Federal Ministry of Health, to fund research into Ebola.
Iwu, who urged Nigerians not to rest on their oars over the containment of Ebola, noted that the virus is still rampant in its place of origin.
“Just two hours flight and one could get in contact with a possible Ebola victim. That tells us that more needs to be done to eradicate the virus.
“We must continue with the hand washing practice. It is the first major step to contain the virus. We must know that a major step in medicine is not just treatment of patients, but care and control of situations that could lead to major challenges,” he said.
He thanked the Nigerian Council of Physicians of Natural Medicine for its pioneering role in the development of alternative medicine in the country.
Iwu, who pledged to work hard for the growth of alternative medicine practice in Nigeria, noted that there is need to boost funding into research and development of alternative medicine.
The professor, who also urged government and the private sector to invest more resources into research for alternative medicine, added that what the Jonathan government did, though not enough, went a long way towards advancing research on Ebola.