Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has explained why Nigeria receives the largest share of the foundation’s intervention funds allocated to Africa. Speaking during an interview with selected journalists at the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, Gates highlighted the significant needs and large population of Nigeria as key reasons for this focus.
"We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria," Gates stated. "That makes sense because of the population and the incredible needs that are here. That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria. I’m glad that things like the child mortality rate have come down, but we could do a lot better."
Gates emphasized that reducing global health inequality and eradicating diseases such as measles, malaria, and polio are top priorities for the foundation. He also indicated plans to increase future spending, particularly on primary healthcare.
“Our work is almost entirely focused on primary healthcare because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,” he noted.
Beyond health, Gates underscored the foundation’s substantial investments in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, recognizing its critical role in the country's economic development. He pointed to efforts aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, including providing access to high-yield, climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, better weather predictions, and timely information for farmers.
“These measures will significantly boost agricultural output and reduce food costs,” he said.
The foundation also supports partners in implementing food fortification programs for staple foods to enhance the nutritional quality of the food supply and deliver public health benefits. Gates stressed the importance of access to a variety of low-cost foods, particularly milk and eggs, in reducing malnutrition.
“The time is right to utilize innovative ideas and tools in the health and agricultural sectors to substantially reduce malnutrition,” Gates remarked.
Since its inception in 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been a critical partner to African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries, working towards improving health and agricultural outcomes across the continent.
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