Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has called on the Nigerian government to sustain its dedication to eradicating polio, warning that the current global funding squeeze makes continued commitment more critical than ever.
Speaking during a media roundtable with select journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, Gates emphasized that although Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, the fight is far from over.
“Now is not the time to slow down. The virus is still circulating, particularly in Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi. We need stronger and more focused action in these areas,” he said.
Urgent Need for Government and Partner Collaboration
Gates highlighted the essential role of Nigeria’s collaboration with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and commended the relentless efforts of frontline health workers.
He warned that outbreaks of variant poliovirus (cVPV2) continue to pose serious threats and can erode public trust in vaccines.
“That’s why our foundation is working with Nigerian partners and organizations like UNICEF and WHO to directly engage affected communities. Building trust through clear communication, listening to concerns, and partnering with local leaders is vital to dispelling misinformation,” Gates explained.
He stressed that halting outbreaks requires fast, high-quality response campaigns and the elimination of immunity gaps.
Routine Immunization: A Key Strategy
Gates also underscored the importance of strong routine immunization programs to maintain a polio-free future. He noted that organizations like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are playing a major role in providing inactivated polio vaccines to lower-income countries, including Nigeria.
“We’re in the final stretch to eliminate this terrible disease. Nigeria’s success is essential to global eradication. With continued investment and strong partnerships, I’m confident we’ll reach a future where no child suffers from polio,” he said.
Encouraging Progress but Challenges Remain
Gates acknowledged recent progress, revealing that polio cases in Nigeria dropped by about 40% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. He also pointed to improvements seen during the April 2025 immunization campaign as a sign that ongoing efforts are paying off.
Still, he cautioned that surveillance must remain robust to detect and quickly contain any new outbreaks.
“Africa’s success in eliminating wild polio was a major public health victory, made possible by strong government leadership and dedicated monitoring. But continued surveillance remains crucial to prevent resurgence,” he added.
Background: The Polio Challenge in Nigeria
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five. It invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis. While there is no cure, it is preventable through consistent vaccination.
Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, but the country has since reported a resurgence in the form of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2). Between January 2024 and March 2025, 122 confirmed cases were recorded—mostly in northern states.
This resurgence underscores the need for urgent action to close immunity gaps and protect vulnerable populations.
As the Eid-el-Kabir holiday and other mass gatherings approach, public health experts are urging the government to intensify vaccination efforts and education campaigns to prevent further spread.
