…By Enitan Thompson for TDPel Media.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, has reaffirmed the current administration’s commitment to tackle the concerns surrounding primary healthcare financing in the country.
During a meeting with some Governors, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Bill Gates, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Vice President emphasized the need for timely domestic financing to procure vaccines and enhance the country’s capacity for vaccine production, particularly in the context of combating polio.
Progress in Polio Immunization Efforts
Highlighting the challenges faced by Nigeria in the area of polio, the Vice President acknowledged the improvements made in three-dose pentavalent vaccine coverage, which increased from 33% in 2016 to 57% in 2021.
He further noted a significant decline in the incidence of the variant polio virus, which decreased by 84% in Nigeria from 2021, resulting in fewer than 200 cases in 2022.
The Vice President commended states that achieved high immunization coverage, with the number of states meeting the target demographic expanding from 12 to 21 over a span of five years.
Commitment to Eradicating Poliovirus and Immunization
The Vice President emphasized the commitment of the Federal Government and state governments to establish a transparent process and structure that will address the issue of non-immunized infants in the country.
He expressed the Federal Government’s determination to eradicate the variant poliovirus by the end of the year and ensure that routine immunization campaigns reach every Nigerian child.
Additionally, he pledged efforts to provide vaccines, including for the significant number of zero-dose children in Nigeria, which stands at 2 million, second only to India globally.
Appreciation for Partnerships and Financial Support
The Vice President expressed gratitude to partners such as the Dangote Foundation and the Bill Gates Foundation for their valuable support during challenging times.
He acknowledged the empathy and contributions of these foundations, which have played a crucial role in Nigeria’s fight against polio, as well as in improving routine immunization, nutrition, and primary healthcare in the country.
Bill Gates Foundation’s Financial Commitment
During the interactive session, Mr. Bill Gates announced that his foundation plans to invest $7 billion in Africa over the next four years.
This funding will primarily support routine immunization efforts in Nigeria and contribute to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Northern Nigeria.
This announcement further highlights the commitment of the Bill Gates Foundation to address critical healthcare needs in the region.
Dangote Foundation’s Partnership
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, in his remarks, mentioned the longstanding partnership between the Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations and the Federal and State Governments.
He emphasized the importance of the decisions made by the National Economic Council in fostering sound economic growth, citizen welfare, and the achievement of sustainable development goals in Nigeria.
The Dangote Foundation has been actively involved in philanthropic interventions related to healthcare, education, agriculture, and human capital development.
Governors’ Appreciation and Willingness to Collaborate
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Abdulraman Abdulrasaq, along with other Governors, expressed appreciation for the philanthropic interventions of the Dangote and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundations.
They lauded the foundations’ contributions in critical areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and human capital development.
The Governors expressed their readiness to continue collaborating with these foundations in the coming years.