It’s a shame Nigerians are still dying of malaria – Obasanjo

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has condemned incidents of malaria deaths in Nigeria despite years of investment in the health sector and significant improvements in research, science, and medicine.

He stated that Nigeria ought to have deployed sophisticated technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, to the fight against malaria and other communicable diseases.

Obasanjo, who spoke at the unveiling of the CARE 365 Health Hub in Abuja on Tuesday, September 2, said it is unacceptable that millions of Nigerians still trek long distances to access basic healthcare services decades after independence.

He said: “It’s an anomaly for a Nigerian child to die of malaria because her mother could not afford to travel to the nearest health facility to access quality and affordable basic healthcare. It is also unacceptable that young people in remote communities go blind because there is no eye clinic for hundreds of miles. These are not just failures of infrastructure; they are failures of empathy and leadership at all levels.”

He described the CARE 365 Health Hub innovation as a technological solution and a game-changer that will increase access to quality and affordable healthcare services, even in rural areas. “What we are launching today will take care of people in the rural communities.

“This is not a favour to the poor. It is our responsibility as leaders, policymakers, patriots, and community leaders. CARE 365 reminds us that technology can and should be human, that innovation should uplift and not isolate. Technology should promote inclusion and make health services accessible to all,” he said.

Founder and CEO of CARE 365, Ngozi Joseph Odumuko, in her presentation, explained that the vision was to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem combining mobile clinics, kiosks, telemedicine applications, and international medical expertise to deliver affordable and quality healthcare across Nigeria.

She said: “This innovation is about bringing health care closer to the people, whether in rural villages, urban centres, or even IDP camps. The plan involves using technology and innovation to connect citizens with health care that are similar to systems used in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

“The reason for this vision is to make healthcare both affordable and accessible while ensuring quality. Healthcare is valuable to the citizens of Nigeria. We are here to support the federal agencies and to provide adequate care for every citizen because care for citizens matters a lot.”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, in his remarks, described the innovation as timely, adding that it aligns with the administration’s agenda to transform Nigeria’s health system.

He noted that the CARE 365 hub would particularly benefit women, children, displaced populations, and people in underserved communities by making healthcare affordable and accessible.

“It also fits within the government’s four pillars of reform: stronger governance, improved health outcomes through expanded primary care, unlocking the healthcare value chain for economic growth, and ensuring health security,” he added.