Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, said Nigeria received the largest intervention fund spent by the foundation in Africa.
The Co-Founder of Microsoft said this during an interview session with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue on Tuesday,03 September, 2024 in Abuja.
Bill Gates noted that helping to reduce health disparity globally is the top priority of the foundation, including getting rid of diseases like measles, malaria, and polio.
He said “We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria.
“That makes sense because of the population and because of the incredible needs that are here.
“That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria.
“I feel glad that things like the child mortality rate have come down, but we could do a lot better,”.
Gates went on to say that the foundation expected to spend more in the future, with a focus on improving primary health care.
“Our work is almost entirely primary health care because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,” he said.
He stated that, in addition to health, the foundation invests heavily in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of increasing agricultural output for Nigeria's economic development.
Gates added that it would be attainable through access to high-yield and climate-resistant seeds, fertilisers, improved and timely information, and better weather predictions for farmers.
This he also said will significantly boost agricultural output and lower food costs.
The donor stated that the foundation works with partners to adopt food fortification of some staple foods, noting that this enhances the nutritional content of the food supply and benefits public health.
He stressed that having access to a variety of low-cost items, particularly milk and eggs, is very efficient in eradicating malnourishment.
The philanthropist noted that it was the right time to utilise innovative ideas and tools in the health and agricultural sectors to substantially reduce malnutrition.
The foundation since its inception in 2000 has maintained partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries.
While contributing to funding and scientific expertise in support of their agendas for change, the foundation, through partnerships have driven the success of numerous health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives.
Nigeria to Receive 3 million Multiple Micronutrient Supplements to Reduce maternal Anemia
In a related development, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have announced the introduction of 3 million Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) into the country as part of a comprehensive effort to combat maternal anemia and potentially save the lives of 70,000 babies.
This announcement was made by Bill Gates, co-chair of the foundation during the Nutrivision 2024: A pan African dialogue event held in Abuja on Tuesday, which focused on addressing malnutrition across Africa.
Gates disclosed that 3 million bottles of MMS will soon be available to Nigerian mothers, marking a significant step in the fight against maternal anemia.
“We have added new vitamins—Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS)—coming into the country. Soon, 3 million bottles of MMS will be available, and mothers can access these additional vitamins. It could reduce 2million cases of maternal anemia and save the lives of 70,000 babies’’, He Said.
Million Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) are implemented in order to provide a all-inclusive approach to nutritional support, addressing deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals that are vital for optimal health, particularly during pregnancy. These supplements include vital vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K, as well as important minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, iodine, and selenium.
Gates who spoke extensively on the importance of nutrition during pregnancy, noted that early intervention is key to preventing malnutrition.
“Malnutrition starts very early in life and is best targeted by helping mothers before and during pregnancy to have very good health,” he said.
He was delighted to also mention that child mortality rates have decreased due to better healthcare and vaccinations but expressed worry that maternal death rates have not seen the same decline, emphasizing the necessity for new tools and better-quality nutrition.
Dr. Egemba Chinonso better known as Aprpko Doctor, who spoke at the event, stressed that malnutrition occurs in various forms, including being overweight. “Malnutrition is not just about being underweight; being overweight could also be a sign of malnutrition,” he stated. He stressed the importance of reinforcing healthy habits to combat poor health outcomes.
