Bill Gates, the Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, revealed that Nigeria receives the largest share of intervention funds allocated by the foundation in Africa. Gates made this statement during an interview with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday.
Gates explained that the foundation’s focus on Nigeria is due to the country’s large population and significant needs. “We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria. That makes sense because of the population and the incredible needs that are here. That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria,” he said.
The philanthropist emphasized that reducing global health inequality and eradicating measles, malaria, and polio are top priorities for the foundation. He noted that the foundation plans to increase its spending in the future, with a focus on improving primary healthcare. “Our work is almost entirely focused on primary healthcare because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,” he said.
In addition to healthcare, Gates highlighted the foundation’s investments in the agricultural sector, recognizing that boosting agricultural productivity is crucial to Nigeria’s economic development. He emphasized the need for access to high-yield, climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, improved and timely information, and better weather predictions for farmers.
Gates also discussed the foundation’s support for food fortification and access to low-cost foods, particularly milk and eggs, to reduce malnutrition. He noted that the time is right to utilize innovative ideas and tools in the health and agricultural sectors to substantially reduce malnutrition.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has supported partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries since its inception in 2000.
