JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The Dermawan billionaire and Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, have voiced deep concern over the low investment of Nigeria in health care, warning that the current state health budget is not enough to overcome the increased crisis of maternal and child death.
Speaking at the media round table in Lagos on Wednesday before the goalkeeper, the first of its type held in Nigeria, Gates offers a serious assessment of the country’s health system. He described Nigeria’s health expenditure as “very, very small” compared to the needs in the land.
“The amount of money spent by Nigeria for health care is very small,” said Gates. “So, I don’t know why you expect that number [maternal mortality] to go down. “
He added that underfunding was the main reason Nigeria continued to be ranked second globally in maternal and child death, only behind India. With more than 50,000 Nigerian women who are dying every year due to the causes of pregnancy related, the country contributes significantly to the mortality rate of global maternal.
Gates highlighted the dangers of births at home, especially in areas that lack resources such as northern Nigeria. “In Northern Nigeria, about half of births are at home, and even in some facilities, C-SECTIONs are impossible. That means a mother who faces labor complications has a limited opportunity or does not exist to survive.”
He compared Nigeria’s situation with India, where significant investment had been made to ensure that shipping occurred in complete health facilities. “What is done by countries like India is that they encourage shipping to centers where they can provide C-section but it requires money,” explained Gates.
Also read: Obasanjo launched a military -style ‘movement’ to overcome the African leadership deficit
Apart from Nigeria’s repeated commitment for health reform, his budget allocation continues to fail from the 15% target agreed under the ABUJA declaration – African union commitment aimed at increasing health funds.
In 2024, Nigeria allocated ₦ 1.23 trillion (5.46%) from ₦ 22.65 trillion national budget for health. While this marks a nominal increase from 2023 ₦ 1.17 trillion, it represents a decrease in the percentage of percentage from the previous year 5.8%.
For 2025, the allocation has been raised to ₦ 2.48 trillion. However, this contributed only 5.18% of ₦ 47.9 trillion of the proposed national budget – still far below the benchmark of Abuja.
This allocation mainly focuses on expanding health insurance coverage and strengthens primary health services through the basis of basic health care (BHCPF). However, Gates stressed that investment remains too limited to encourage the type of systemic change needed.
This situation is increasingly complicated by a sharp decline in global health funding, especially from the United States. After his inauguration, former US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to review and cut foreign assistance under the “first American” agenda. The freezing of assistance produced has created funding gaps in countries such as Nigeria, which is very dependent on donor support for vaccines, maternal care, HIV treatment, and disease supervision.
According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, one in seven maternal deaths around the world occurred in Nigeria. Joint reports in 2023 by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Bank entitled Improving the Health and Survival of Mother and New Birth Babies Place the second nigeria globally in the death of the mother and child, only exceeded by India.
In 2020, Nigeria recorded around 540 maternal and child deaths per 1,000 births underline the urgent need for reform. The report refers to the continuous challenges in sending medical care, infrastructure, and medical training, especially in rural areas and less served.
“There is no shortcut,” Gates concluded. “You have to build a system, train personnel, fund infrastructure and continue to run even when headlines move. Life depends on him.”
