Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, revealed that Nigeria receives the largest share of the foundation’s intervention funds in Africa. Gates shared this information during an interview with select journalists at the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday.
Gates emphasized that addressing global health disparities is a key priority for the foundation, which aims to eradicate diseases such as measles, malaria, and polio. He noted, “We allocate significant resources to Asia, but our largest investments in Africa are directed towards Nigeria. This is due to the country’s large population and its considerable needs. As a result, we have invested billions in Nigeria.”
While Gates expressed satisfaction with reductions in child mortality rates, he acknowledged there is still much work to be done. He announced that future funding will focus on enhancing primary health care, stating, “Our investments are primarily in primary health care because the impact per dollar spent is significantly higher compared to other areas.”
In addition to health, Gates highlighted the foundation’s investment in agriculture. He emphasized the importance of improving agricultural productivity for Nigeria’s economic growth. This includes providing access to high-yield and climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, timely information, and better weather predictions for farmers. Such measures are expected to enhance agricultural output and reduce food costs.
The foundation also supports food fortification initiatives, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of staple foods and offer public health benefits. Gates underscored the importance of access to affordable, nutritious foods, like milk and eggs, in combating malnutrition.
He stressed the need to leverage innovative ideas and technologies in both health and agriculture to make substantial progress in reducing malnutrition.
Since its establishment in 2000, the Gates Foundation has partnered with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities across 49 countries. The foundation has committed over $7 billion through 2026 to support innovative efforts addressing hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty in Africa.
The foundation’s contributions include both funding and scientific expertise, driving successful health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives.
