BILL Gates, world-renowned philanthropist, said his Foundation is working to end Malaria in Nigeria within the next twenty years.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill Gates Foundation, disclosed this shortly after being conferred with one of Nigeria’s highest national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic CFR, by President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, on Tuesday.
Gates, who described the project as ” ambitious”, however, assured that it will be achieved
“Some of our goals will seem ambitious; for example, in the next twenty years, we hope to eradicate malaria,”
Malaria, one of the most dreaded diseases, especially in Nigeria, has for several years defied solution, with Nigeria accounting for nearly 31% of global deaths. The death toll from the disease was estimated at 194,000 in 2021 in Nigeria alone, making it the country with the highest Malaria burden.
Bill Gates, through the Gates Foundation, a global health solution platform, has been at the forefront of providing solutions in addressing difficult health challenges in Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu, while conferring the honour on Bill Gates, said he ” inspires leaders worldwide by consistently lifting the poor and underprivileged”
The President noted the renowned philanthropist’s interventions in maternal health, agriculture and infectious disease research.
President Tinubu thanked Gates for providing global leadership that prioritises ameliorating the lives and safety of the poor and underprivileged.
“Today, I would like to share my happiness and respect and acknowledge one of the greatest human beings in the world.
“All I need to say is thank you, Bill Gates, for your indivisible commitment to humanity. It is highly remarkable. It is an inspiration to leaders across the world, including the one standing before you.
“I thank you very much. It is a great thing to honour you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
In his remarks, Mohammed Pate, Minister of Health and Social Development, described Gates’s recognition as ” well deserved,” considering his long-term involvement in Nigeria’s national development.
“Bill Gates’ friend, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has been working with him to transform lives across the country. From that time until now, the Gates Foundation and through other channels have invested more than $2 billion of its capital in various arenas that directly affect our people, whether in health care, agriculture, or the digital economy.
“Importantly, when he came into Northern Nigeria, there were challenges with immunisation, people refusing because of ignorance, and with Mr Gates and Alhaji Aliko, they mobilised the entire traditional ruler’s committee,” he stated.
Pate said the strong support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation eradicated polio.
Aliko Dangote, the President and Chairman of Dangote Group, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Jisalo, executives of the Gates Foundation and Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, attended the ceremony.
