News
Bill Gates to Invest $2.8bn in Nigeria’s Healthcare, Nutrition, Agriculture Sectors
Bill Gates, billionaire philanthropist and Chairman Gates Foundation has announced a $2.8 billion investment aimed at enhancing the country’s healthcare, nutrition, and agricultural sectors.
Speaking at the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday, Gates emphasized the critical need to invest in Nigeria’s greatest resource, its people, while addressing the economic challenges the country faces.
Gates, who had met with the Vice President alongside the Chairman of the Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote, has been a long-time advocate for Nigeria, with his foundation’s commitment to the country now totaling over $2.8 billion, the largest of its kind in Africa.
His remarks to the NEC highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria, especially in the wake of economic stagnation and rising national debt.
He underlined the importance of prioritizing primary healthcare, noting that without health, “there can be no opportunity,” pointing out that despite Nigeria’s wealth, the country spends just N3,000 per person annually on primary healthcare, a ratio that he argued should be reversed.
Gates urged Nigerian leaders to increase funding for primary healthcare and to ensure timely disbursement of allocated resources.
He also praised recent efforts, such as the successful HPV vaccination campaign that reached over 12 million Nigerian girls in just one month.
However, he stressed the need for continuous improvement, particularly in data-driven decision-making to optimize healthcare delivery and workforce management.
Addressing nutrition, Gates highlighted the alarming rate of child malnutrition in Nigeria, which contributes to nearly half of all child deaths.
He called for greater private-sector involvement in food fortification and urged state governments to ensure compliance with nutritional mandates.
Gates also discussed affordable interventions in maternal health, such as the use of multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) that could prevent millions of cases of anaemia and save thousands of newborn lives.
In the agricultural sector, Gates expressed concern over Nigeria’s food insecurity, exacerbated by climate change and poor agricultural practices.
He advocated for increased funding for extension services, fertilizers, and infrastructure to support farmers.
He also encouraged the adoption of innovative crop varieties with higher yields and greater resistance to pests, such as the new cassava varieties developed with support from the Gates Foundation.
The philanthropist reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s long-term commitment to Nigeria and Africa.
He acknowledged the difficulties in turning around the country’s fortunes but expressed optimism that with smart investments, innovative thinking, and dedicated leadership, Nigeria could build a better future.
“By putting the Nigerian people first, Nigeria’s leaders can build a better future,” Gates said., adding: “I still believe in the grand vision of Nigeria’s future, and that future depends on all of you.”
News
Airtel, Mobihealth Partner to Improve Healthcare Access for Nigerians
Airtel Nigeria, a telecommunication and mobile money service provider, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mobihealth International, a pioneering telehealth service provider.
This strategic collaboration is set to significantly improve healthcare access for millions of people across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities.
Under this partnership, Nigerians will enjoy affordable and round the clock access to Mobihealth’s innovative telemedicine services, allowing them to connect with licensed healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes via mobile phones.
Mobihealth’s platform offers a range of services including 24/7 teleconsultations, prescription services, delivery of genuine medications, and access to international medical specialists.
A Game Changer for Healthcare in Africa
Airtel’s vast network infrastructure will empower Mobihealth to extend its reach to rural and remote areas, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations can access quality healthcare. This partnership also aims to support the government’s efforts at resolving the nation’s healthcare challenges, including limited access to doctors, high healthcare costs, and a shortage of medical facilities.
Speaking on the partnership, Femi Oshinlaja, Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, stated, “We believe that telemedicine will play a crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare future. Our partnership with Mobihealth showcases our dedication to providing innovative solutions that significantly improve the lives of Nigerians.”
Dr. Funmi Adewara, Founder and CEO of Mobihealth, added: “This partnership with Airtel is a major milestone in our mission to democratize healthcare in Africa. Together, we will offer a lifeline to millions who face barriers to accessing timely, affordable, and quality medical care. Our telehealth platform will provide convenient access to qualified doctors, diagnostics, and treatments, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
This collaboration is expected to transform the healthcare landscape across Nigeria, making healthcare services more accessible, affordable, and effective.
News
Africa Digital Awards Honours Mayomi Tonye as Outstanding Technology Personality in Healthcare Management
Mrs. Mayomi Tonye, a distinguished healthcare administrator and innovator, has been honored with the prestigious title of Outstanding Technology Personality in Healthcare Management at the Africa Digital Awards 2024.
This recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to the healthcare industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create value, drive profitability, and achieve operational success across various healthcare institutions under her management.
Mrs. Tonye Mayomi has consistently demonstrated excellence in integrating technology into healthcare practices, revolutionizing traditional methods and setting benchmarks for efficiency and innovation. With over a decade of experience in healthcare management, her expertise spans across general practice medicine, dentistry, oncology, dialysis care, and psychiatric care, both in Nigeria and the United States.
Through her visionary leadership, Mrs. Mayomi has overseen the successful deployment of digital solutions that have enhanced patient care, streamlined workflows, and optimized the profitability of healthcare facilities.
These include implementing state-of-the-art CRM systems for hospital operations, integrating telemedicine platforms to increase accessibility for patients, and utilizing data-driven insights for improved decision-making in patient and resource management.
Under her guidance, institutions such as UPSILLON Care Hospital and Upscale Wellness have thrived, incorporating advanced tools like 3D dental lab technology, digital patient flow systems, and online pharmacy solutions. These innovations have significantly improved patient experiences while ensuring cost-effective and timely access to healthcare services.
Mrs. Mayomi’s visionary contributions extend beyond operations to fostering talent and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector. Through her consultancy firm, Ty’s Med Spaces, she has been instrumental in setting up modern healthcare facilities and equipping future healthcare administrators with the skills needed to excel in a digital era.
Speaking on the award, Mrs. Mayomi expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing healthcare through technology. “This recognition is a testament to the transformative power of technology in healthcare. I am deeply honored to receive this award, and it inspires me to continue innovating and driving positive change in the industry.
“My goal has always been to bridge the gap between quality healthcare and technology, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible while optimizing resources for long-term growth.”
The Africa Digital Awards serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations driving digital transformation across various sectors on the continent. Mrs. Mayomi Tonye’s recognition reaffirms her position as a trailblazer in healthcare management and a champion for the integration of technology into healthcare practices.
This accolade underscores Mrs. Mayomi’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in Africa, ensuring that innovative solutions translate into accessible, efficient, and sustainable healthcare systems for all.
News
ALX Organises First-ever Business Showcase for its Community Entrepreneurs
In an era where entrepreneurship has become immensely vital to economic growth and innovation, ALX Africa, Africa’s leading tech career accelerator, has taken a significant step forward by organising a business showcase for entrepreneurs in its vibrant community.
Exhibiting one of the numerous benefits of being a part of the ALX ecosystem of professional and personal growth.
The business showcase held simultaneously across ALX state-of-the-art hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. It gathered a diverse group of enthusiastic entrepreneurs with various businesses in fashion, beauty, food, beverages, and technological solutions.
The event aimed to provide these budding entrepreneurs within these locations a chance to sell their products and solutions to attendees.
Beyond providing world class tech programmes, the award-winning accelerator offers participants with numerous virtual and in-person community events and state-of-the-art tech hubs equipped with constant electricity and high-speed internet. These facilities are available in their hubs in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos.
One of the standout solutions on display at the showcase in Lagos was an innovative product called Parkkly, which uses intuitive geo-mapping technology to help drivers find available parking spaces within a location.
Other businesses that were on display at the showcase are Masta Blendz Zobo Drink, a quality beverage producer, Mama’s Original Honey, JCN Wears, Viloet’s Bijoux, and Mo Beauty amongst many others.
ALX Africa’s mission is to tackle the world’s greatest challenges through innovative solutions and businesses from Africa.
They aim to achieve this by not only empowering young African entrepreneurs with relevant tech skills and knowledge but also providing them with a platform for their ideas and businesses to thrive.
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