Routine immunisation should be reinforced in Kano — Bill Gates

• Dangote Pledges More Support
Co-founder of Microsoft Corporation and second world’s richest man, Bill Gates, has advocated reinforcement of routine immunisation in Kano to finally ease out poliovirus in the state.

Gates said the warning became necessary to curtail the second wave of the virus from possible carriers, who might escape from two Asian countries, where wild poliovirus is still eminent. 

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation (WHO), last month, declared Nigeria polio-free country, after concerted efforts and intervention of international donor agencies.

Nigeria had recorded its last case in July 2014 and negative laboratory result of samples for 12 full months.

Incidentally, Kano had its fair share of the dangerous virus, having recorded two cases in Sumaila in 2014.

Gates, who gave the caution during a virtual conference on Kano State Health System Strengthening Programme, insisted the state and indeed, Nigeria must not relent in immunisation.

Gates said: “Our Polio work is not done. We still have the vaccine for wild polio and we need to maintain immunisation in case polio escapes from the two Asian countries, where it still exists.
“I am pleased to hear that the Kano State Task Force on immunisation also includes Primary Health Care as its focus. The programme areas in the state should be strengthened, as part of effort to ensure community wellbeing.”

Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who expressed satisfaction at the state’s efforts in fight against polio and management of immunisation fund, also applauded Governor Abdullah Umar Ganduje’s administration on emergency response on COVID-19 pandemic. He assured the foundation would continue to support the state government.

Governor Ganduje reassured the international communities of his dedication to strengthening the healthcare delivery system in the state.