Bill Gates, the globally acclaimed philanthropist, has pledged that his Foundation is committed to eradicating malaria in Nigeria within the next twenty years.
Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of the Bill Gates Foundation, made this announcement shortly after receiving one of Nigeria’s highest national honours—Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)—from President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Gates acknowledged that the initiative is “ambitious,” but expressed confidence in its success.
“Some of our goals will seem ambitious; for example, in the next twenty years, we hope to eradicate malaria,” he stated.
Malaria has long been a formidable challenge in Nigeria, accounting for nearly 31 percent of global malaria deaths. In 2021 alone, the disease claimed an estimated 194,000 lives in the country, solidifying Nigeria’s position as the nation with the highest malaria burden worldwide.
Gates’ Foundation has consistently played a key role in supporting health solutions in Nigeria, particularly through its initiatives targeting complex health issues.
At the award ceremony, President Tinubu praised Gates’ dedication to humanitarian causes, describing him as someone who “inspires leaders worldwide by consistently lifting the poor and underprivileged.”
The President commended Gates’ interventions in areas like maternal health, agriculture, and infectious disease research, emphasising the profound impact of his leadership on vulnerable populations.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Mohammed Pate, Minister of Health and Social Development, also lauded Gates’ recognition, calling it “well deserved” given his enduring commitment to Nigeria’s development.
Pate highlighted the partnership between Gates and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who have jointly worked to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“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 also credited the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s efforts in the successful eradication of polio in Nigeria.
The ceremony was attended by Aliko Dangote, President and Chairman of the Dangote Group; Zephaniah Jisalo, Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs; officials from the Gates Foundation; and Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
