Kaduna State government has acknowledged that the Gates Foundation has supported it in strengthening the health sector and saved lives in quick but powerful ways.

The deputy governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who disclosed this, further said that the Senator Uba Sani administration ‘’is fully committed to a deeper and stronger partnership with the Gates Foundation.”

Dr Balarabe, who is a medical doctor, made this commitment when the Gates Foundation team paid her a courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday.

She said that the Gates Foundation is driven by a deep belief in human dignity, ‘’and that is why it resonates strongly with us in Kaduna. Your approach reinforces our commitment to compassionate governance, one that listens, learns and responds with sincerity.’’

According to her, the Foundation’s investment in strengthening various systems has helped health facilities to become more reliable for families who depend on them every day.

‘’Your backing of routine immunisation and targeted campaigns played a major role in protecting children across our communities. Your work in disease control has also supported our public health teams in preventing outbreaks and improving early response. These efforts save lives and create the foundation for long-term human development,’’ she added.

The deputy governor disclosed that the foundation has helped Kaduna State ‘’build stronger institutions, deepen data-driven planning, and improve service delivery for ordinary citizens.’’

‘’You have helped us bring services closer to the most remote communities, you have helped us voice to our mothers who simply want their children to survive and thrive, and you have improved systems that have outlived any administration,‘’ she added.

Dr Balarabe assured the team that Kaduna State remains open, ready, and committed to sustaining this partnership because it is strengthening institutions, from the State Primary Health Care Board to innovations in data transparency to improving accountability in service delivery.

The deputy governor said the foundation’s recent grant of $3.6 million is another clear sign of its confidence in our shared goals.

‘’We also welcome the signing of the Kaduna Mutual Accountability Framework, which strengthens our joint commitment to transparent planning and measurable outcomes,’’ she added.