Nigeria is still underdeveloped and lacks modern medical facilities today, and it has been considered one of the worst African countries in terms of healthcare statistics. Bill Gates, on the other hand, saw it as a motivational warning to the youth of Nigeria.
Bill Gates was pleased by what he called Nigeria’s “innovative youth” who have one goal in mind: to strengthen their country’s health care and science industries.
He stated on his first visit to Nigeria in five years last month that everywhere he went, probably more than on any of his previous visits, he felt the great energy and limitless promise of its emerging generation. He talked with young scientists and researchers who are developing novel answers to some of the country’s most tough health and development concerns. He also joined young entrepreneurs to discuss how they are using new digital technology to improve health care and financial literacy.
He continued, saying there are numerous deserving candidates for a country’s resources. However, high-impact treatments that reach everyone should be at the top of the priority list. He stated that he is confident that Africa’s young people would not only benefit from these initiatives, but will also lead them. Throughout his tour, he was inspired by Nigeria’s young people’s eagerness to make a difference, as well as the imaginative ways they are utilizing modern science and technology to accelerate growth and better lives across Africa. He mentioned three solutions which thinks are the best to start with.
Focus on the most important problems: There is no shortage of problems that need solving, but some should come first. Without health, for example, there can be no opportunity. Women should not have to worry whether they will survive pregnancy and whether their babies will make it through childhood. People should be able to expect that when they go to a health clinic, there will be enough workers and supplies to provide care.
Get life saving products to everyone who needs them: He mentioned that scientists weren’t just creating innovative products; they were thinking creatively about how to distribute their product and inform people about them across Africa. This focus on reaching everyone is critical for reducing dramatic gaps in health outcomes between rural and urban areas, rich and poor, men and women.
The last point was improving childbirth conditions: With Nigeria being one of the worst countries in terms of maternal health resources. Bill Gates recognized it as critical to promote health throughout the entire pregnancy, delivery, and postnatal care continuum. This would include proper nutrition, disease detection and prevention, providing access to sexual and reproductive health, and assisting women who may be victims of intimate partner violence.
By: Samkele Mchunu
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