The World Health Organization or WHO has declared South Sudan free from polio virus.
WHO office in South Sudan told Bakhita Radio that the country was certified polio free after it fulfilled requirements of the Africa Regional Certification Commission or ARCC.
The ARCC is an independent body that is mandated to certify African countries that have eradicated the polio virus.
In January, a delegation of the ARCC visited South Sudan to verify the accuracy and depth of the country’s surveillance system and the implementation of the polio eradication program.
WHO said during the visit, the team thoroughly reviewed the complete national documentation prepared by the South Sudanese government.
The UN health agency said the investigation team found that South Sudan had met the conditions to be certified polio free.
It clarified that South Sudan has not reported any case of local polio virus since June 27, 2009.
According to WHO, polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus that mainly affects children under five years, causing paralysis of the body.
Polio transmission can be reduced through provision of clean water and maintaining improved hygiene.
The virus can only be prevented through vaccination.