Mr Bill Gates, President of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the president of Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six northern governors to ensure rapid reduction in cases of child and maternal mortality in their states.
The world’s richest man, Bill Gates and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote met behind closed doors with the governors of Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Kano and Bauchi states to sign the multi-billion naira agreement.
A statement by Mr Esan Sunday of Dangote Foundation on Wednesday, details of which are not yet available, said both foundations will also sign a $100m partnership agreement soon at an unspecified date to end undernutrition in Nigeria.
Gates, who spoke briefly, said his foundation is determined to eradicate polio and other related diseases in Nigeria, Africa and the world in general through partnership with various states and countries.
Dangote urged the governors to take ownership of this immunization programme, urged governors to visit a health centre every month for supportive supervision, called on the federal government to continue to work closely with the states to provide routine and new vaccines and other health needs.
According to Dangote, Bill Gate’s commitment to polio eradication was clear, “but he also talked to me about how immunization is lifesaving, cost effective and is a cornerstone of every primary health care system. Leadership and guidance of federal government and the commitment of the governors are critical for success. For me, bringing healthcare to the community is something I care about deeply; so it is very important that communities trust that health services are there for them.”
President Muhammadu Buhari expressed gratitude to Mr Gates for his continued commitment and support to various health care causes in Nigeria, especially through maternal and child healthcare programmes, just as he expressed his government’s support “as we continue to work together for the betterment of all Nigerians in particular, the vulnerable ones.”
The President added: “The successful de-listing of Nigeria as a polio endemic country is an enormous achievement for our country that should not be understated. It clearly shows that through sheer commitment, hard work and having the right partnerships, we can succeed.
“I am very encouraged by the progress we are making on the immunization front. This gives me comfort that we are on the right track to ensure our children and grandchildren will never know of polio and its adverse impacts on lives and livelihood.”
Here, L-R: Co-Chair, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates; His Excellency, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and President/CEO, Dangote Industries Ltd, Mr Aliko Dangote at the signing of Updated Abuja Commitments on Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization.