American businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates, has expressed alarm over the persistently high rate of child deaths in northern Nigeria.
He highlighted that one in six children born in the region does not survive to their fifth birthday.
Speaking ahead of the Gates Foundation’s annual Goalkeepers’ event in New York, Gates described the statistic as a wake-up call for governments and development partners to act with urgency.
He warned that the years of progress achieved so far are under threat, noting that international health funding fell by more than 20 per cent last year, reaching its lowest level in 15 years.
Gates emphasized that philanthropy cannot substitute for government responsibility.
“I am not capable of making up for what the government cuts, and I do not want to create an illusion of that,” he said.
He urged governments to reinforce primary healthcare, expand vaccine access, and implement new medical innovations, insisting that millions more children could be saved by 2045 if leaders recommitted to proven strategies.
Northern Nigeria continues to carry a heavy child mortality burden, with weak health systems, poverty, and insecurity limiting access to life-saving care.
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In response to Gates’ warning, a senior official at the Federal Ministry of Health, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the challenge but said measures are being taken to improve the situation.
“We are scaling up routine immunisation, revitalising primary healthcare centres, and working with partners, like the Gates Foundation, to close gaps in child survival.
“The figures are worrying, but they reinforce why the government must stay the course,” the official added.
UNICEF Nigeria also highlighted the urgency of the issue. In a recent report, the agency noted that child survival in the country “is closely tied to stronger health systems, clean water, nutrition, and security.”
It called for increased investment at the federal and state levels.