Lagos: Bill Gates, Chair of Gates Foundation, has advised the Federal Government to continue its longstanding commitment to end polio transmission in the country. Gates said this during a media roundtable with selected journalists in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gates emphasised that with the tightening of global funding, it’s more important than ever that Nigeria keeps up the momentum of polio eradication. He highlighted the need for stronger action, especially in the states of Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi, where the virus is still circulating.
Gates stressed the importance of the Nigerian government’s urgent and continued commitment, alongside partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and the efforts of frontline health workers, to end polio transmission. He noted that variant polio cases remain a serious challenge and can fuel doubts about vaccine safety, which calls for support from Nigerian-led and GPEI partners like UNICEF and WHO to engage affected communities directly.
He pointed out that building trust through transparent communication, addressing concerns, and collaborating with local leaders to dispel misinformation are crucial steps. Rapid, high-quality response campaigns and closing immunity gaps are key to stopping outbreaks, Gates added.
He also highlighted the significance of robust routine immunisation coverage to achieve and sustain a polio-free world, which increases population immunity and reduces the risk of polio. Gates mentioned Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as a key partner, financing the provision of the inactivated polio vaccine in lower-income countries.
“The world is in the final sprint to end this horrific disease and Nigeria is key to that success. With strong investments and partnerships, I am confident we will bring about a world where no child faces the threat of polio,” Gates expressed.
Gates acknowledged the Nigerian government’s efforts and progress, revealing that polio detections in Nigeria reduced by about 40 percent in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. He noted some useful improvements in the April immunisation campaign as positive outcomes from the hard work by the government and partners.
The philanthropist remarked that Africa’s success in eradicating wild poliovirus is a significant public health achievement, made possible by strong government leadership, sustained surveillance, and effective partnerships. However, he stressed the importance of ongoing disease surveillance in detecting and rapidly responding to new outbreaks.
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is an infectious disease caused by a virus that invades the nervous system and can lead to irreversible paralysis. Mainly affecting children under five, there is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented through vaccination.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigeria eradicated wild polio in 2020, but a resurgence saw 122 confirmed cases of circulating poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2) between January 2024 and March 10, 2025, primarily in the northern states. The ongoing challenge of eradicating polio in the country persists, with the government considering new measures to tackle the outbreak.
Gates is visiting Nigeria and has met with President Bola Tinubu and engaged with federal and state leaders to discuss Nigeria’s primary health care reforms. He is also participating in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event focused on Africa’s innovation future and meeting with local scientists and partners shaping Nigeria’s national AI strategy and scaling up health solutions.