Bill Gates: Why the Gates Foundation Invests in Nigeria’s Health and Agriculture

Bill Gates, the Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has revealed the reason Nigeria receives the largest portion of the foundation’s intervention funds allocated to Africa.

Gates shared this during an interview with selected journalists at the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue, held on Tuesday in Abuja.

In his statement, Gates explained, “We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria.” He attributed this to Nigeria’s large population and significant needs, adding, “That makes sense because of the population and the incredible needs that are here. That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria.”

Gates acknowledged the progress made in reducing child mortality rates in Nigeria but emphasized that more work needs to be done.“I’m glad that things like the child mortality rate have come down, but we could do a lot better,” he said.

He highlighted the foundation’s priorities, which include reducing global health inequalities and eradicating diseases like measles, malaria, and polio.

Gates also mentioned that the foundation plans to increase its spending, focusing 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 stated.

Beyond healthcare, Gates pointed out the foundation’s substantial investments in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

He emphasized the importance of boosting agricultural productivity for the country’s economic development.

According to Bill Gates, this can be achieved through access to high-yield, climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, improved and timely information, and better weather predictions for farmers.

Gates believes these measures will significantly increase agricultural output and reduce food costs.

Additionally, the foundation supports food fortification initiatives for staple foods, which enhance the nutritional quality of the food supply and offer public health benefits.

He stressed that access to a variety of low-cost foods, particularly milk and eggs, is essential for combating malnutrition.

Gates concluded by noting the importance of using innovative ideas and tools in both the health and agricultural sectors to reduce malnutrition in Nigeria effectively.

Since its inception in 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities across 49 African countries.

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