Bill Gates, stakeholders to discuss health sector challenges

The co-chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, is visiting Nigeria today (Tuesday), as part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to Africa’s development.

This was contained in a statement from the foundation on Monday.

Gates will be meeting with national and local leaders, partners, grantees, and innovators to discuss advancing health, innovation, and nutrition across Africa.

Gates, alongside other foundation leaders, will meet with experts in primary healthcare, agriculture and nutrition to drive progress across the continent, despite economic challenges.

The virtual event was scheduled to be held today, between 3.30 pm and 5.00 pm Nigeria time.

According to the statement, since the foundation’s inception in 2000, it has supported partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries to contribute funding and scientific expertise in support of their agendas for change.

“These partnerships have driven the success of numerous health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives,” the statement read.

Gates believed that solutions to Africa’s greatest challenges could come from within Africa adding “This is why the foundation supports African partners whose bold ideas and creative approaches have the potential to save lives, improve health, and help families across the continent.

“The foundation has committed more than $7bn through 2026 to support African countries and institutions working to develop and implement innovative approaches to confront hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty.

“The foundation works with African governments, the private sector, non-profit organisations and civil society to improve health outcomes, boost agricultural productivity, expand access to digital financial services, and empower women and other marginalised populations with greater economic opportunities.”