American philanthropist Bill Gates has expressed deep concern over the alarming child mortality rate in northern Nigeria, revealing that approximately one in every six children born in the region does not survive past their fifth birthday.
Speaking ahead of the Gates Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers event in New York, Gates called on governments and development partners to urgently address the crisis. He described the statistic as a reminder of the work still needed. He emphasized that children born in northern Nigeria have a 15 per cent chance of dying before the age of five.
To support global health programs combating preventable diseases, the Gates Foundation has committed $912 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria for 2026 through 2028. This financing will sustain programs that have successfully halved child mortality worldwide since 2000, from around 10 million deaths annually to fewer than 5 million.
However, Gates warned that the progress achieved is at risk as international health financing dropped by more than 20 per cent in the past year, reaching its lowest level in 15 years.
He stressed that philanthropy alone cannot fill the gap created by reduced government spending. He stressed that he is not capable of making up for what the government cuts, and he does not want to create an illusion of that.
Gates urged authorities to improve primary healthcare, expand vaccination campaigns, and introduce innovative medical solutions. He insisted that millions more children’s lives could be saved by 2045 if leaders renewed their commitment to proven strategies.
A senior official from the Federal Ministry of Health, speaking confidentially, acknowledged the challenge but detailed current measures. He stressed that they are intensifying routine immunisation drives, restoring primary healthcare centers, and partnering with organisations like the Gates Foundation to close gaps in child survival. He added that the figures are concerning and he reinforces why the government must remain dedicated.
UNICEF Nigeria calls for urgent attention to a recent report, noting that child survival depends on robust health systems, adequate nutrition, clean water, and peace. The agency called for increased investment at both federal and state levels to address these foundational issues.
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