Bill Gates solicits more focus on the Nigerian public healthcare as he urged the Nigerian federal government to invest more in the healthcare of its citizens.
On Wednesday, Bill Gates, an American Billionaire and Philanthropist, urged Nigeria’s government to invest more in primary healthcare.
This call was made while admitting that Nigeria’s economy is static, disclosing that the country’s GDP ratio was better fifteen years ago than it is presently.
He implored the Tinubu-led Federal government to look into investing in the health sector in a bid to revitalize the economy. This call was made at the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, at the State House.
He described the health sector as the most valuable asset of the country and stated the dividends the country stands to receive if adequately invested while the efforts are being made to revamp the country’s economy.
Nigeria is faced with enormous challenges, one of which is financial incapability but the care and health of the citizenry must be made paramount, he noted.
According to Gates, he said, “Nigeria’s economy has stagnated. Earlier this year, your debt exceeded 50 per cent of your GDP for the first time since 2001. Bill Gates Solicits More Focus On Public Healthcare
“And while your revenue-to-GDP ratio has grown, it’s still lower than what it was 15 years ago. The result is that Nigeria spends less per capita on its people than other African countries with a fraction of its wealth.
“I understand this is a politically sensitive area. Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen. Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting.
“Taxes are never popular. That’s true in America too. But they’re part of a social compact. People are more likely to pay them when they see the government spending that money to give Nigerians a better life.”
He continued by stressing that the government needs to also invest in human capital, but most attention must be diverted to healthcare with increased funding.
“After all, priorities without funding are only words. And I know that right now, it’s impossible to give every priority the funding it needs. That’s why it’s more important than ever to focus on the areas you know will make the greatest difference, He said.
“I’ll start with health because, without health, there can be no opportunity.
Photo Credit: Melinda and Bill Gates
Bill Gates Solicits More Focus On The Nigerian Public Healthcare
Primary care is the first—and sometimes, the only—point of contact most patients have with the health system.
“Yet Nigeria spends just 3,000 naira on primary health care per person, per year. 70% of your spending goes to secondary and tertiary care, compared to just 30% for primary care. That ratio should be reversed.”
“Last year, the Federal Government launched an ambitious HPV vaccination campaign. In one month, Nigeria immunised more girls than 40 other Gavi countries combined did the entire previous year. In total, Nigeria reached more than 12 million girls with this life-saving vaccine.
“That’s genuinely incredible. And I hope you carry the lessons from that campaign to future efforts.”
In his disclosure, he revealed his coming to Nigeria has been for more than twenty years.
His foundation (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) has over $2.8 billion investment in Nigeria which is one of the largest investments in Africa.
Mr Gates stated, “I have been coming to Nigeria for over two decades now. In that time, I have seen performances by Afrobeats legends. I have formed friendships with leaders across sectors. And I’ve met with innovators who are changing the world.
“I am also proud to support their work. To date, our foundation has invested over $2.8bn in Nigeria. It’s our largest commitment in all of Africa.”
He argued that the present administration is not a failure, the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ brought forth by President Bola Tinubu was seen as ambitious by him but has resource impediment militated against it.
Despite the general knowledge that nutrition is very germane for public health, we should not forget that agriculture plays a very crucial role in providing adequate nutrition.
“Nigeria has the second-highest rate of food insecurity on earth.
Bill Gates Solicits More Focus On The Nigerian Public Healthcare.
“You’ve seen how the problem has grown worse as climate change has accelerated. Arable land has disappeared. Pests have wiped out harvests. And prices for staple foods have soared.
Photo Credit: Ministry of Health, Nigeria.
“But there are some ways to address this crisis I hope you’ll consider.
“First, Nigeria needs more funding for extension workers, to advise and support farmers; fertilizers, to make sure the soil is healthy enough to grow more crops; and infrastructure, so that farmers have roads to bring their goods to market.
“One key solution is to embrace the new generation of innovative crop varieties that have shorter growing periods, higher yields, and greater resistance to pests,” Gates concluded.
Special Reports on Nigeria’s Healthcare
Nigeria’s Healthcare World Ranking
- Nigeria ranked 157th in the world by Statista, a German online platform which specialises in gathering data and information.
Health Situations
- It is to be noted that Nigeria’s health result indicators are unacceptably high despite recent improvements recorded. Maternal mortality ratio is 814 per 100,000.
- Mortality rate for children and infants under the age of five is 104 and 70 per 1,000 live births respectively.
Nigeria’s Biggest Health Issue: Malaria
- Globally, Nigeria has the highest burden of Malaria which is still the main cause of child illness and death.
Highest Killer Diseases In Nigeria
Malaria, Lower Respiratory Infections, HIV/AIDS, Diarrheal Diseases, Road Injuries, Protein-energy Malnutrition, Cancer, Meningitis, Stroke and Tuberculosis.
Bill Gates Solicits More Focus On The Nigerian Public Healthcare