Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticised the continued deaths of Nigerian children from preventable diseases such as malaria, calling it a damning indictment of the nation’s leadership and lack of empathy, especially in an era marked by rapid technological advancement.
Speaking at the CARE 365 Health Hub launch in Abuja on Tuesday, September 2, Obasanjo expressed dismay that millions of Nigerians still lack access to basic healthcare services despite decades of independence and global medical progress.
“It is no longer acceptable that in the age of artificial intelligence and speed, a Nigerian child should die of malaria because her mother couldn’t afford to travel to the nearest health facility,” he stated. “These are not just failures of infrastructure; they are failures of empathy and leadership at all levels.”
The former president emphasised that healthcare should be viewed as a right, not a privilege. He urged leaders and policymakers to leverage technology to ensure inclusive access to medical services for all citizens.
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Highlighting the potential of the CARE 365 Health Hub, Obasanjo described it as a breakthrough initiative capable of closing healthcare gaps through smart kiosks equipped with diagnostic tools, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine features. These hubs, he said, can enable remote consultations with licensed doctors, diagnoses, and treatment—particularly benefiting rural and underserved communities.
He likened the innovation to the transformative impact of mobile phones in Nigeria, describing it as more than just a tech solution. “This is a tool for social justice. It is health security for all,” Obasanjo said.
