Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates, has emphasized the urgent need for the Nigerian government to enhance investment in its health sector to unlock the country’s vast potential.
Gates who spoke at the Pan-African Youth Innovation Forum in Lagos on Wednesday, noted that Nigeria’s talented population could achieve great things, but without access to essential resources, their potential would remain untapped.
He highlighted the alarming fact that Nigeria’s healthcare budget is a mere $10 per person annually, significantly lower than the sub-Saharan African average of $31.
“Leaders need to make a much bigger financial commitment, focused most of all on improving primary health systems.
“Making sure clinics are well-staffed and supplied, making sure children get the vaccines they need—all of this is absolutely essential to improving health and opportunity and unlocking all of Nigeria’s potential,” he said.
Gates stressed the importance of well-staffed clinics, reliable supplies, and comprehensive vaccination programs to enhance health, foster opportunities, and unlock Nigeria’s vast potential.
Additionally, he expressed his intention to engage the government in discussions regarding increased investments in agriculture and digital financial systems and encouraged Nigerian youths to hold their leaders accountable and ensure the implementation of commitments made in these areas.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Health Salma Anas, stated during a Health Policy Dialogue held in Abuja today, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s healthcare reform agenda will prioritize Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The dialogue aimed to examine Nigeria’s health policy priorities, considering the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Health Reform and the citizens-led health agenda, while charting a course of action.
Anas further disclosed that the President’s objective is to bridge the gap between the underprivileged and access to quality healthcare by providing financial security.