Bill Gates Re-Affirms Commitment to Polio Eradication in Nigeria

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates met with Nigerian officials on Monday in Abuja to discuss progress made on the ambition for absolute eradication of polio in Nigeria by mid-decade. He met with President Goodluck Jonathan, members of the House of Representatives, Aliko Dangote and other stakeholders, discussing how to deliver Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to every child. Gates said, “The goal of saving lives is a very realistic goal. Through these efforts I do think that children who do survive will be far healthier and able to take advantage of their education and contribute to the success of Nigeria.” The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, spoke about the commitment of the National Assembly to the eradication of polio and further praised Gates and Dangote; “Both of you, yourself (Bill Gates) and Dangote have proven that business and compassion are not mutually exclusive. They can be combined for the good of humanity.” President Goodluck Jonathan also said, “There is no reason we should not eradicate polio by 2014. Let me assure you that the federal government is totally committed to eradicating polio.”