By Atoyebi Nike
Top leaders gathered in Lagos on Wednesday to discuss how Africa can transform its healthcare systems. Among them were Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote, and governors from Gombe and Lagos States. The event, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, focused on funding, partnerships, and the role of local innovation.
Bill Gates highlighted the Gates Foundation’s $100 billion investment in global health over 25 years. Over 70 percent of that, he said, has supported healthcare projects in Africa. “In Nigeria, we’ve built strong partnerships to help governments improve healthcare systems,” Gates said. He stressed that local governments bear the main responsibility, while partners help accelerate progress.
Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya said his government increased its health budget and now uses biometric tracking to monitor health worker attendance. The improvements have boosted immunization coverage to 50% and access to primary healthcare to 45%. “Maternal and child health outcomes have improved. Absenteeism is down. Our staff are motivated and exceeding expectations,” Yahaya added.
Aliko Dangote praised the Gates Foundation partnership that helped eliminate polio in Nigeria. He called for more investment in local drug production. “We must end health tourism. We should produce our drugs locally and build a system that meets our own needs,” Dangote said.
The event also spotlighted entrepreneurs using innovation to improve healthcare. Nkem Okocha of Mamamoni urged more support for local startups. Bayo Adekanmbi of DSNai said artificial intelligence must be tailored to African contexts. Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson of Healthtracka called for a future where treatable illnesses no longer kill due to late detection.
