Bill Gates Confirms Nigeria as Largest Beneficiary of Gates Foundation’s Intervention Funds in Africa
Nigeria has been confirmed as the largest recipient of intervention funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in Africa, according to Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Foundation.
Gates made this revelation during the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, underscoring the critical role Nigeria plays in the Foundation’s global mission to reduce health inequalities.
In an exclusive interview with selected journalists, Gates highlighted the Foundation’s significant financial commitment to Nigeria, which has become a focal point in its efforts to combat major health challenges such as measles, malaria, and polio, Nairametrics reported.
“Our mission to reduce health disparities worldwide places a strong focus on eradicating diseases like measles, malaria, and polio,” Gates stated.
He emphasised that while the Foundation invests heavily across Asia, its largest expenditures are directed towards Africa, with Nigeria receiving the lion’s share due to its large population and immense needs.
“Over the years, we’ve invested billions in Nigeria, and while progress has been made – such as the reduction in child mortality rates – there is still much more that can be achieved,” Gates said.
He revealed that the Foundation plans to increase its spending in Nigeria, with a particular focus on enhancing primary healthcare systems, which he described as yielding the highest return on investment.
The Foundation’s commitment to Nigeria is part of a broader strategy across Africa, where it has pledged more than $7 billion through 2026.
These funds are aimed at addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, including hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty.
Beyond healthcare, the Gates Foundation is also heavily invested in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which Gates views as essential for the country’s economic development.
He outlined the Foundation’s efforts to improve agricultural productivity by providing high-yield, climate-resilient seeds, fertilizers, and better access to timely information and weather predictions for farmers.
“By empowering farmers with these tools, we can significantly boost agricultural output and reduce food costs,” Gates noted.
Moreover, the Foundation supports initiatives to fortify staple foods to improve their nutritional quality, thereby delivering significant public health benefits.
Gates stressed the importance of increasing access to a variety of affordable foods, particularly milk and eggs, as a potent strategy to combat malnutrition in Nigeria.
“Now is the time to leverage innovative ideas and tools in both health and agriculture to make substantial strides in reducing malnutrition,” he urged.
Since its inception in 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been a pivotal partner in Africa, working alongside regional institutions, national governments, and local communities across 49 African countries.
The Foundation not only provides substantial financial resources but also contributes scientific expertise to support the continent’s health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives.
