Kano 30 months free of polio, tremendous achievement – Bill Gates

The Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, has described Kano state as one of the most successful states in northern Nigeria in its fight against poliomyelitis especially on supplemental and routine immunization activities over the last four years. This is coming on the heels of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the state government signed with Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations on strengthening routine immunization in the state.

This was disclosed during a video conference held at Kano state Government House by the Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the President, Dangote foundation during the end of year review meeting with Kano and Kaduna state governments.

Gates, who described the 30 months free of polio cases recorded in the state, further commended the efforts of the present administration under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for its judicious utilization of funds allocated for the eradication of polio virus and improving routine immunization. He also commended Kano State Government for honoring all its pledges and putting in its counterpart funds as contained in the tripartite memorandum of understanding between Kano State Government, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation.

The President Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, expressed satisfaction for the smooth conduct of immunization against polio in the State. He enjoined the state government to step up efforts to sensitize Local government chairmen, religious leaders, Imams and voluntary organizations to complement government’s efforts in polio eradication and routine immunization. Also calling on individuals and corporate organizations to invest in the health sector due to its significance in the lives of the populace.

The state Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje reiterated the administration’s determination and commitment to continue funding polio eradication and routine immunization exercises despite the financial crunch the country is facing. That following the expiration of the tripartite agreement between Kano State Government, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation, the State is poised to take over complete funding of the program and is committed to sustain the gains made so far.

He commended Mr Bill Gates and Alh Aliko Dangote for their unflinching support in improving the quality of health care delivery in Kano State. He further appreciated the efforts of other development partners who have also been supporting the state government in order to achieve the set objectives.

Adding that, the state government will not relent in its efforts to ensure that the state is certified polio free and its health indices are greatly improved. He commended Kano Emirate Council and all other stakeholders for their support in this direction.

In his keynote address at the occasion, the Kaduna state Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai commended the 2 foundations for their supports to the 2 States and also rejoiced with his counterpart the Executive Governor of Kano state for recording 30 months without reporting a single case of wild polio virus in the State. He stated that the success is a clear testimony of Government’s commitment and seriousness in improving the wellbeing of its teeming populace.

A new MoU with the 2 partners that is targeted at improving child health care in the State has since been signed and will come into effect before the end of January, 2017.