…. Ex-Presidents Warn Millions Dying From Preventable Diseases
…. Back Digital Solutions To End Medical Tourism, Poor Access
Three former Nigerian leaders, Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the worsening state of the nation’s health sector, warning that millions of citizens continue to die from preventable diseases due to poor facilities and failed leadership.
The ex-presidents spoke in Abuja at the launch of the Care365 Health Hub, a technology-driven health platform designed to provide affordable and accessible medical services to Nigerians.
Obasanjo, in a scathing remark, said it was shameful that in 2025, Nigerians, especially children, were still dying of malaria because of poor access to basic healthcare.
“It is unacceptable that, in the age of artificial intelligence and space tourism, a Nigerian child still dies of malaria because her mother cannot afford transport to the nearest health facility,” he said.
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounted for 27 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of related deaths in 2023, with about 200,000 Nigerians — mostly children under five — killed by the disease.
The former president described Care365 as a “transformative solution” capable of bridging healthcare gaps nationwide if properly integrated into the system.
“These are not just failures of infrastructure but failures of empathy and leadership at all levels,” Obasanjo added.
On his part, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), described Nigeria’s health facilities as “grossly inadequate,” noting that citizens in rural areas are the worst hit.
“Across the country, quality medical care is either absent or extremely difficult to access. Urgent steps must be taken to bridge the gap, especially for rural dwellers,” he said.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan stressed the need for Nigeria to embrace digital health solutions, warning that reliance on outdated systems was costing lives and billions of naira in medical tourism.
He recalled the death of his former Chief of Staff, who was flown abroad without a clear diagnosis, saying such tragedies could be prevented through technology-based platforms like Care365.
“Our youths should use their technological skills positively. With innovations like Care365, we can save money, save time, and save lives,” Jonathan said.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who represented the Federal Government at the event, highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s four-pillar plan to reform the health sector.
He listed the pillars as governance reforms, improved health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and strengthening health security.
Pate lamented that Nigeria spends only $120 per capita on healthcare annually, with government contributing just $30, leaving citizens to pay the rest out of pocket.
“That imbalance leaves millions of Nigerians vulnerable. As our economy grows, more funds must be allocated to the health sector,” the minister said.
Founder of Care365, Ngozi Odumuko, explained that the health hub was designed to make quality healthcare accessible, affordable, and technology-driven for every Nigerian.
“With Care365, we want to ensure that healthcare is not a privilege but a right for all,” she said.
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