We can assist as partners, but the foundation of a functioning health system has to be built and maintained by the government,” he said
By Afolabi Ayodele
Philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has described Nigeria’s health budget under President Bola Tinubu as grossly inadequate to address the challenges in the sector.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, Gates urged the Federal Government to significantly increase its investment in healthcare.
“When you look at the numbers, the amount Nigeria spends on healthcare is very, very small,” he said.
“It is not just about percentages; in absolute terms, Nigeria’s budget for health is insufficient to tackle the crises it faces.”
Gates acknowledged improvements in some states, saying, “In states like Kano and Lagos, you are seeing some positive movement. But if you take the country as a whole, the funding just isn’t there yet to achieve universal health coverage or even deliver basic services equitably.”
While noting that foreign partners can offer support, Gates stressed that Nigeria’s health system must be funded and sustained by the government.
“We can assist as partners, but the foundation of a functioning health system has to be built and maintained by the government,” he said.
“In the long run, you can’t depend on aid to fund your essential health systems. Countries need to build resilience internally.”
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