Bill Gates Urges Nigeria to Sustain Polio Eradication Efforts Despite Funding Pressures

Philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has called on the Nigerian government to remain steadfast in its fight against polio, warning that global funding for health initiatives is tightening.

Speaking at a media roundtable in Lagos on Wednesday, Gates emphasized that Nigeria must not lose momentum in its decades-long battle to eradicate the disease, especially as new variant cases emerge in the country’s northern regions.

“Now is not the time to stop,” Gates said. “Unfortunately, the virus is still circulating, and we need stronger actionespecially in Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, and Kebbi.

The billionaire, who serves as the Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, highlighted the critical role of government collaboration with partners such as UNICEF, WHO, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). He also commended frontline health workers for their resilience, urging a sustained response against the resurgence of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVPV2).

Between January 2024 and March 2025, Nigeria confirmed 122 cases of cVPV2, mostly in northern states. The country had previously been declared free of the wild poliovirus in 2020 a major milestone in global health.

Gates stressed that misinformation and vaccine hesitancy continue to pose serious challenges.

He also acknowledged Nigeria’s recent progress, revealing that polio detections in the first quarter of 2025 declined by 40% compared to the same period in 2024. The country’s April immunization campaign also showed signs of improvement.

Gates reminded stakeholders that surveillance systems remain crucial to detecting and preventing future outbreaks. Africa’s earlier success in eradicating the wild poliovirus, he said, was only possible through sustained political leadership, public health infrastructure, and international cooperation.

We’re investing in community engagement working with local leaders to address concerns, share accurate information, and build public trust,” he noted. “The key to stopping outbreaks is rapid, high-quality response campaigns and closing immunity gaps.”

Routine immunization, according to Gates, remains central to polio eradication. He cited the role of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in supporting lower-income countries like Nigeria with the provision of inactivated polio vaccines.

President Bola Tinubu, recognizing Gates’ contributions to global health and development, recently conferred the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) honor on him, praising his role in saving millions of lives across Africa.

For Nigerians living abroad, especially those contributing to healthcare, advocacy, or philanthropy, Gates’ remarks are a timely reminder: polio is not yet gone. Supporting immunization programs, combating misinformation, and backing Nigerian health initiatives from abroad can help sustain the fight.

Despite progress, the resurgence of polio in northern Nigeria poses a public health risk that could undermine years of investment. Continued diaspora involvement through funding, volunteering, or policy advocacy remains essential.