Dangote, Bill Gates Set To Eradicate Polio In Nigeria Next Year

Dangote Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have resolved to put an end to the disease called polio in Nigeria by 2014. Gates, addressing a press briefing in Lagos, on Monday, said the uprising in the north-east region of the country is undermining the fight to eradicate polio in the country, especially in Borno and Yobe states.He noted that a lot of problems still remained as some states do not pick up the best vaccines while others do not release money as and when due for the implementation of the campaign.

However, he said his Foundation is planning to improve the living standard of Nigerians and develop the economy.

Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates, said this in Lagos yesterday in Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos at a press briefing held to explain the plan of the foundations to improve the living standard of Nigerians and develop the economy.

Alhaji Dangote said the rate of polio in Nigeria, which had reduced to about 51 per cent presently, will be totally reduced to zero level by the end of next year as a result of ongoing efforts by the two foundations. He said they have intensified campaign to make sure that all children in the states where polio is prevalent are vaccinated. He confirmed that they have been receiving support from northern leaders and that many families have agreed to get the vaccine.

Mr Gates said they are collaborating to wipe out polio in Nigeria because they believe it will help to improve the lives of people and move the economy forward. On further moves to develop the economy, Alhaji Dangote said they are planning to raise funds with some private sector operators to develop the health and financial sectors. Mr Gates said they are currently working with the government to produce a regulation that will enable the poor and the unbanked to have access to financial services as this will go a long way to reduce poverty and develop the economy.

Apart from the health and financial sector, Mr Gates said they are also working to improve the agricultural sector. “We are working to double yam productivity so that small older farmers can achieve food security and raise their incomes,” he said, adding that they also research and deploy new cassava varieties with improved nutritional value.

The two foundations also disclosed that they are facilitating a $50 million loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Nigeria for polio eradication and other child-killer diseases.