In a recent speech to Nigeria’s National Economic Council, Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, called on the Nigerian government to make healthcare funding a top priority. Gates addressed Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other officials at the State House in Abuja, emphasizing the need for wise allocation of resources under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Gates highlighted that while the agenda’s goals are ambitious, focusing on key areas like primary healthcare and nutrition is essential. He noted that global efforts have successfully reduced child mortality rates by half over the past two decades through investments in routine immunization. However, Nigeria faces challenges, with 2.2 million children having never received any vaccines.

The Gates Foundation leader praised President Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s primary health system. He urged both federal and state governments to ensure that their financial commitments under Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Compact are met. This includes making sure that every naira spent on healthcare is used effectively.

Gates also stressed the importance of addressing malnutrition, which contributes to many child deaths and long-term health issues. He welcomed Nigeria’s initiatives to fortify staple foods like cooking oil and wheat flour but urged greater compliance from companies. He also pointed out that fortifying bouillon cubes could save thousands of lives and prevent millions of cases of anemia each year.

In closing, Gates emphasized that solving these health challenges requires significant investment and collaboration. He called for a strong partnership between the government and the private sector to support health and nutrition efforts in Nigeria.