Bill Gates, Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has called on the Federal Government to sustain efforts to end polio transmission in Nigeria, emphasizing the critical need for continued funding and community engagement. Gates spoke during a media roundtable with selected journalists on Wednesday.
“Now is not the time to stop because unfortunately, the virus is still circulating, and we need stronger action—especially in Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi states,” Gates said. He noted that global funding constraints make Nigeria’s commitment “more important than ever.”
Gates urged the government to maintain its longstanding collaboration with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and frontline health workers. “What is important now is that the government urgently continues its longstanding commitment alongside partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and the heroic efforts of frontline health workers to end polio transmission.”
He cautioned against complacency, citing “variant polio cases” that can undermine vaccine confidence. “The emergence of variant polio cases remains a serious challenge and can fuel doubts about vaccine safety. That’s why we are supporting Nigerian-led and GPEI partners like UNICEF and WHO to engage affected communities directly, building trust through transparent communication, listening to concerns, and working with local leaders to dispel misinformation.”
Gates highlighted swift, quality response campaigns and closing immunity gaps as “the key to stopping outbreaks.” He also stressed routine immunization: “Robust routine immunisation coverage is essential to achieve and sustain a polio-free world—raising population immunity and reducing the immediate and long-term risk of polio.”
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has underpinned routine immunization efforts in low-income countries by funding inactivated polio vaccines, Gates explained. “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.”
Acknowledging Nigeria’s progress, Gates disclosed that polio detections fell by about 40 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. “We have also seen useful improvements in the April immunisation campaign. These are positive outcomes from all the hard work the government and partners have been doing.”
Africa’s elimination of wild poliovirus in 2020 stands out as a major public health victory, credited to consistent government leadership, surveillance, and strong partnerships, Gates noted. “But we must understand that ongoing disease surveillance will play a vital role in detecting and rapidly responding to new outbreaks.”
Polio, a viral disease that can cause irreversible paralysis in children under five, has no cure and is preventable only through vaccination. Although Nigeria eliminated wild polio in 2020, the nation recorded 122 confirmed cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) between January 2024 and March 10, 2025. Most cases occurred in northern states, underscoring persistent challenges.
Gates is on a visit to Nigeria, where he has met President Bola Tinubu and engaged federal and state leaders on primary healthcare reforms. He will also participate in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event on Africa’s innovation future and meet local scientists to advance Nigeria’s national AI strategy and healthcare solutions.
