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Bill Gates, Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue in Abuja this week, focusing on how Africa can leverage technology to enhance food security, improve primary healthcare, combat malnutrition, and access critical financing. The conversation brought together young leaders, nutrition experts, advocates, and Grammy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste.
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During the discussion, participants explored innovative ideas such as using smartphones to advise farmers on the best seeds to plant based on weather conditions. Other solutions included multiple micronutrient supplements to reduce maternal anemia and save newborn lives, and vitamin A-fortified cooking oil to boost immune systems.
Gates emphasized the need to address malnutrition, especially in pregnant women and young children, as a critical health challenge. “Vaccines have saved millions of lives, but malnutrition is holding back the potential of children by affecting their brain and body development,” he said. Solving the issue, he stressed, would require collaboration across sectors like health, agriculture, and education, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
He also discussed his upcoming meetings with Nigerian philanthropists and government leaders, highlighting the vital role they play in making nutrition interventions more affordable and accessible, and in designing effective education programs.
Co-hosted by TechnoServe and Nile University, and broadcast live across Africa by Africa.com and Channels Television, the event featured reflections from Jon Batiste’s recent visit to Nigeria. It was designed to inspire transformative solutions to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity across Africa, bringing together experts and young changemakers committed to shaping the continent’s future.
