Bill Gates, James Entwistle and Alhaji Aliko Dangote recently met with leaders from Kaduna, Sokoto, Yobe and Borno states in Abuja to keep Nigeria healthy through immunizations.
With brand-new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) re-affirmed among the multiple jurisdictions, Nigerian Health Minister I.F Adewole praised the states for committing to a serious investment in inoculation.
“These are tough financial times in Nigeria, but the health of children cannot wait,” Adewole said. “The country has an ambitious plan to introduce new life-saving vaccines over the next several years, and today’s commitments will ensure we can get those vaccines to the children who need them most.”
The state governors’ renewed pact will positively impact child health throughout Nigeria, combating the incidence of measles, pertussis, hepatitis and polio. With financial and technical help from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Dangote Foundation, systematic expansion of improvements in the nation’s immunization rates will point Nigeria in a positive direction for public health.
“These agreements strengthen our partnerships with Nigerian states working to provide health services to all their citizens,” Dangote said. “Building on their recent success in eliminating polio from the region, Nigerian governors have and will continue to play a vital role in establishing a legacy of sustained commitment to routine immunization.”
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