Jonathan extols infected medical officers

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday paid glowing tribute to medical officers who recently treated the late American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, and in the process got infected with the dreaded Ebola virus disease.

While commiserating with the families of those who paid the supreme price in the process, the President promised that his administration would ensure that those still alive get the best medical attention.

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo, made the remarks at an event held inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to Mark the World Humanitarian Day.

The event with the theme “More people than ever before need our help” was organised by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons and the National Emergency Management Agency.

He commended the medical personnel, who he said, risked their lives in the process of trying to assist the deceased.

“I want to use this occasion to salute the courage of these medical personnel and condole with the families of those that lost their lives. Government is doing everything possible to ensure that those still alive get the best medical attention while praying to God to save their lives,” the President said.

Jonathan also regretted that many humanitarian workers had become targets of violent attacks, despite the passion with which they carry out their duties.

He said in the last 10 years, the number of attacks on humanitarian workers had tripled, according to the statistics available to him.

He regretted that while those in need desperately require help, ability to reach out to them was sadly increasingly challenging and at risk.

The President said, “Humanitarian workers have no other agenda than saving lives and delivering the basic necessities of life which include food, water, shelter, medical care and protection for the most vulnerable.

“In spite of their passion to save lives, humanitarian workers have sometimes become targets of hostilities in the cause of discharging their duty.

“Violent attacks on humanitarian personnel are increasingly becoming more frequent and brutal. In the last decade, the number of attacks on them has tripled, resulting in more than 100 deaths annually.

“I want to assure you that government will continue to support policies and programmes that promote humanitarian activities in the country and we are very proud of your achievements by excelling to one of the best organised organisations in Africa.”

Jonathan also consoled the families of those who lost their lives in the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja in 2011 and other acts of insurgency.

He assured Nigerians that the country would soon overcome the evil of insurgency.

He urged all Nigerians to continue to support the transformation agenda of his administration by helping in finding solutions to societal challenges.