Polio: Bill Gates hailed Traditional Rulers

THE Emir of Kano Ado Bayero has hailed the contribution of Bill Gates, co-chair of Bill and Melinda Foundation toward humanitarian services especially in the eradication of polio and other diseases. Receiving Gates at the palace, the emir reiterated the determination of traditional institutions to support the move toward polio eradication in the country.

Earlier, Gates had told the emir that he was in the country to review the country's progress on polio and to discuss the remaining challenges to stopping polio transmission.
He commended the Nigerian government and traditional institutions for the consistent enlightenment campaign which is achieving the desired success in polio eradication.
Gates also called on the traditional rulers not to relent in that direction by making sure that people allow their children to be immunized.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s low record of number of polio cases so far in 2010 and noted that political, religious, and traditional leaders have been the key factors.
He also observed the immunization of children during the current polio campaign, which continues tomorrow.

Mr. Gates thanked leaders throughout Kano for their engagement in the fight against polio.
He also encouraged them to improve immunization efforts in high risk local government areas in Kano and throughout the country to ensure success.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports a range of efforts to increase the health and productivity of women and children throughout Nigeria.
In addition to its work on polio, the Gates Foundation has funded partners to support projects in the areas of HIV prevention, malaria, guinea worm eradication, nutrition, maternal and newborn health, and agricultural development.

The Gates Foundation has invested more than $815million on polio eradication efforts, in an effort to optimize the world’s chances of stopping polio virus transmission as quickly as possible.

The organization supports the milestones and strategies set by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), the programs leading and coordinating the global health community in polio eradication effort.

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