Two frontline international foundations run by two of the world’s greatest philanthropists have set a target to wipe out polio in Nigeria by next year. They are Dangote Foundation and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Chairman, Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Co-Chair, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates, made the promise while addressing the press yesterday at Protea Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Alhaji Dangote said the rate of polio in Nigeria, which had reduced to about 51 per cent presently, would be totally reduced to zero level by the end of next year as a result of ongoing efforts by the two foundations. He said they have intensified campaign to make sure that all children in the states where polio is prevalent are vaccinated. Dangote confirmed that they have been receiving support from northern leaders and that many families have agreed to get the vaccine.

On his part, Mr. Gates said they are collaborating to wipe out polio in Nigeria because they believe it will help to improve the lives of people and move the economy forward.

Highlighting the challenges to the campaign, Gates said that the security crisis in the North-East, especially in Borno and Yobe states, is undermining the fight to eradicate polio in the country. He noted that a lot of problems still remained as some states do not pick up the best vaccines while others do not release money as and when due for the implementation of the campaign.