FG, Gates, Dangote foundation commits to eradicate polio in Kano

The Federal Government, alongside the Gates Foundation and the Dangote Foundation, has reiterated its commitment to eradicating polio and other infectious diseases in Kano State.

 

READ ALSO:UNICEF urges Kano to intensify efforts to eradicate polio

 

The pledge was made on Wednesday at the government house in Kano, led by Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, with other partners in attendance.

Pate emphasised the urgency of eradicating the wild polio virus in Kano, a key focal point for polio cases.

He commended the collaborative efforts of the Gates Foundation and Dangote Group, urging for intensified action and coordination to rid the state of the disease.

“We are fully committed to working with our partners, including the Gates Foundation and Dangote Group, to ensure that Nigeria remains polio-free.

“Kano is central to this mission, and once the virus is controlled here, we will be closer to ensuring the safety of the entire nation,” the minister stated.

Pate also lauded Kano State’s dedication to improving healthcare and its efforts to curb the spread of infectious diseases, particularly polio.

He stressed the need for urgent, decisive action to address the concerns raised by development partners regarding the virus’s continued presence in the state.

He commended the passage of the Kano Control Disease Control Centre Bill and emphasised the importance of federal and state government collaboration in tackling health challenges.

Pate expressed satisfaction with the state’s leadership in managing the diphtheria outbreak and assured that the federal government would continue supporting the state’s health initiatives.

The minister voiced concerns about the detection of wild polio virus cases in Kano, which remained a significant contributor to ongoing polio cases in Nigeria.

He called for immediate, effective measures to eliminate the virus and mentioned that control measures would be implemented in Kano and other states.

Regarding emergency maternal care, Pate revealed plans to refurbish key maternity care facilities in Kano, including Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and Abdullah Wase Hospital.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency management services in the state and across the country.

On the issue of the abandoned Kano Cancer Centre, the minister assured that the federal government would partner with the Kano State Government to make the centre operational, including providing oncologist training.

Gov. Abba Yusuf, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Faruk, expressed gratitude for the minister’s visit and the support from donor partners.

He acknowledged the decade-long partnership between the Gates Foundation and the Dangote Foundation, which had significantly improved the health sector in the state.

The governor also emphasised that while progress had been made, more efforts were needed to completely eradicate polio.

He said that with continued support from the federal government and donor agencies, he believed the challenges would be successfully addressed.

In separate remarks, Christopher Elias, President of the Gates Foundation, and Dr Ahmed Iya, a representative of the Dangote Foundation, reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating polio.

They both emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to eliminate the disease.

They also urged the state government to intensify efforts to eliminate polio and promote routine immunisation.

 

NAN/Wumi