UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have joined the Nigeria government in condemning attacks in the country's northern Kano state that left nine health workers dead Friday.
In a joint statement, the UN agencies said such attacks are a 'double tragedy for the health workers and their families and rob vulnerable populations, particularly children, of basic life-saving health interventions'.
The agencies added: 'These attacks are unacceptable under any circumstance. WHO and UNICEF extend their deepest sympathy to the families of the health workers. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria in their efforts to better the health and lives of its people.'
In an earlier statement, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the 'dastardly terrorist attacks' and assured the bereaved families that the loss of their loved ones would not be in vain as the government would ensure that the mission to totally eradicate polio from Nigeria in which they were patriotically engaged is carried out to a very successful
conclusion.
'While the government will continue to do everything possible to track down and apprehend agents of terrorism in the country, the President has directed that enhanced security measures be put in place immediately for health workers in high-risk areas,' the statement said
Pana 09/02/2013