AFT Statement on Killing of Nigerian Healthcare Workers

 
Washington- Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten in response to the killing of nine healthcare workers delivering polio vaccines in Nigeria. 

"Nine healthcare workers were shot dead in Nigeria for living out their life's missions—saving lives and healing communities. We strongly condemn these horrific acts upon innocent healthcare professionals working to protect a vulnerable population, mostly women and children, living in one of the last regions on earth where the scourge of polio is still endemic. 

"The Nigerian government must not allow this heinous act to suspend or prevent lifesaving polio vaccines from reaching the Nigerian people. In this moment the Nigerian government must be even more vigilant in protecting healthcare workers and getting these vaccines to all who require them. The international community must do everything we can to support and protect the public health professional and teams doing this work."