Bill Gates Confirms Nigeria as Largest Beneficiary of Gates Foundation Aid in Africa

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has confirmed that Nigeria is the largest recipient of the foundation’s intervention funds in Africa. During an interview at the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, Gates underscored the foundation’s deep financial commitment to Nigeria, recognizing its pivotal role in addressing global health disparities.

“Our mission to reduce health disparities worldwide places a strong focus on eradicating diseases like measles, malaria, and polio,” Gates said, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

Gates highlighted that while the foundation invests heavily in Asia, Africa receives the largest share of its expenditures, with Nigeria standing out as the top recipient. “This is due not only to its large population but also to the immense needs present here. Over the years, we’ve invested billions in Nigeria, and while progress has been made—such as the reduction in child mortality rates—there is still much more that can be achieved,” he emphasized.

The foundation is set to further increase its investments in Nigeria, with a specific focus on strengthening primary healthcare systems. Gates explained that primary healthcare offers a high return on investment, making it a crucial area of focus for the foundation's efforts.

To date, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has committed over $7 billion through 2026 to help African nations tackle urgent challenges such as hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty. Gates expressed optimism about the foundation’s ongoing work, noting that although significant progress has been made, there is still much more to accomplish in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

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