Polio eradication: Bill Gates to give states $500,000award

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Wednesday
announced a reward of $500,000 for states that can
eradicate polio in Nigeria in 2012.
A statement released by the Foundation said the award was
announced during a meeting last week between Bill and
Melinda Gates and the Governors’ Forum, represented by
Rivers State governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.
According to the statement by the Foundation’s Senior
Communication Officer (External Communication), Michal
Fishman, the initiative, titled “ Governors immunization
leadership challenge”, initiated together with Nigeria
Governors’ Forum, will recognize governors whose states
passed a pre-defined threshold to improve routine
immunization coverage and end polio.
The states that meet the threshold criteria will be awarded a $
500,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to
support their top health priorities.
He said: “ Nigeria ‘s leaders are critical to making Nigeria polio
free and their renewed confirmation last week of the Abuja
Commitments will make an important difference. “As Nigeria
’s partner, the Gates Foundation is committed to doing what
we can support their efforts to end this terrible, but
preventable, disease.
“The award will support winning governors’ priority
initiatives in public health, such as malaria and tuberculosis,
improving immunization, HIV prevention and treatment, or
safe drinking water and hygiene promotion.
“In addition to the grant, those governors who achieve the
goals will receive special recognition from Mr. Gates for their
contribution to the elimination of polio. Winning governors
will be highlighted in foundation communications, such as
Mr. Gates’ annual letter or the foundation’s annual report,
social media materials and Mr. Gates’ public engagements
globally.
“As governors push hard over the next year to achieve the
2012 deadline to end polio, I want to ensure their efforts are
acknowledged and that the governors are simultaneously
supported to tackle other key health problems they face in
their states.
“If Governors choose, they also may contribute $250,000 to
their chosen health project and the foundation will match that
contribution, meaning a potential total $1 million towards
improving health in their state.
“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum will provide the secretariat
for the challenge program, and will actively engage the
governors throughout the 12-month period to encourage
them to stay on track in the fight against polio and achieve
the qualifying threshold for the award
“The Immunization Leadership Challenge will be open to all
36 States and the Federal Capital Territory . Any interested
governor will need to officially enter his state in the award
program through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum by October
31, 2011.
“ To receive the grant, the state will need to pass a rigorous
set of criteria based on outcomes in their polio program and
routine immunization services.
“Data to assess performance will be collected and managed
by a Monitoring and Evaluation team led by the National
Primary Health Care Development Agency and supported by
polio eradication partners.
“A panel of independent national and international public
health experts selected by the foundation will assess the data
and declare the winners at the end of 12 months.
The statement further affirmed the commitment of the
Governors’ Forum to eradicate polio in Nigeria , quoting
Governor Ameachi as having assured the Foundation that
Nigeria ’s governors wanted to stop polio and improve
routine immunization to protect Nigeria ’s children against
preventable diseases.

Another opportunity by selfish nigerians in power to dwindle funds meant for d betterment of d nation only to demselves.

Great job, Bill