Nigeria Receives Largest Share Of Intervention Funds In Africa

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has disclosed that Nigeria receives the largest share of the foundation’s intervention funds in Africa.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Speaking during an interview with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, Gates emphasized that reducing health inequality globally is the foundation’s top priority, particularly in combating diseases such as measles, malaria, and polio.

“We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria,” Gates stated.

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“That makes sense because of the population and the incredible needs that are here.

I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria. I feel glad that things like the child mortality rate have come down, but we could do a lot better.”

Gates further revealed that the foundation plans to increase its investments in Nigeria, particularly in improving primary healthcare, noting, “Our work is almost entirely focused on primary healthcare because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else.”

In addition to health, Gates highlighted the foundation’s substantial investments in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He stressed that boosting agricultural productivity is critical to Nigeria’s economic development, which can be achieved through access to high-yield and climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, improved and timely information, and better weather predictions for farmers.

These efforts, according to Gates, will significantly increase agricultural output and reduce food costs.

The philanthropist also noted the importance of food fortification in improving the nutritional quality of the food supply, which provides significant public health benefits. He emphasized that access to a variety of low-cost foods, particularly milk and eggs, is powerful in reducing malnutrition.

Gates concluded by stating that now is the time to utilize innovative ideas and tools in the health and agricultural sectors to substantially reduce malnutrition.

Since its inception in 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries, providing funding and scientific expertise to support their agendas for change.