Bill Gates declares war on African child deaths with $200bn firepower

Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has unveiled a $200 billion healthcare pledge for Africa.

The massive funding, to be spread over 20 years, is from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Gates made the announcement on Monday at the African Union headquarters, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said Africa will receive the bulk of the funding, focusing mainly on primary healthcare development across the continent.

Addressing African leaders and health professionals, Gates said the goal is to end preventable deaths in African communities.

The tech mogul described strong healthcare as vital to breaking poverty and unlocking the continent’s full potential.

“I recently committed to give away my wealth within 20 years,” Gates said.

He added, “Most of it will be spent tackling health challenges here in Africa.”

He said maternal and child health will receive special attention in the Foundation’s upcoming initiatives.

Gates explained that early investment in child and maternal health has long-term benefits for families and societies.

He stressed the importance of proper nutrition for mothers before and during pregnancy.

“Helping mothers stay healthy before pregnancy gives the best results,” he said.

He also noted that child nutrition in the first four years of life makes a critical difference.

The billionaire urged African governments to invest more in primary healthcare infrastructure.

He said that effective health systems deliver long-lasting, cost-effective results for millions.

Gates praised countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia for innovative health reforms.

He highlighted successes like community-based health services that reach remote populations.

He also cited data-driven healthcare methods that have reduced child mortality in many countries.

Gates commended Rwanda’s use of artificial intelligence (AI) in maternal care.

He said AI-powered ultrasounds in Rwanda now detect high-risk pregnancies earlier than ever.

This technology, according to him, is saving mothers and babies in real time.

The speech followed Gates’ recent recognition by Ethiopia’s government.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed awarded Gates the country’s highest national honour.

The award marks 25 years of Gates Foundation support for African health and development.

The Foundation opened its first African office in Ethiopia and later expanded to Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa.

Gates said over 100 health innovations funded by the Foundation have saved more than 80 million lives.

He announced a strategic shift to prioritise maternal care, child survival, and infectious disease elimination.

He also called for stronger collaboration with African scientists and health innovators.

“We must build health solutions by Africans, for Africans,” Gates said during a fireside chat.

The chat was held with Paulin Basinga, the Gates Foundation’s Africa director.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also attended the event.

Okonjo-Iweala praised African countries for achieving results despite limited resources.

She attributed success to smart partnerships, political focus, and grassroots mobilisation.

Gates is expected to visit Nigeria later this week.

He will meet with President Bola Tinubu and attend the “Goalkeepers Nigeria” event.

The event will spotlight Nigeria’s healthcare innovations and AI-driven development strategies.

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