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Bill Gates’ Ghana’s Health Investment: What’s True About the Hormonal IUD Claims?
August / September 2025 Numerous media outlets have circulated claims that Bill Gates has invested “over $25 billion” in philanthropic projects across Africa covering health, agriculture, gender equality, nutrition, and sanitation, and that he expressed surprise at Africa’s resistance to the hormonal IUD, offering more investment if the measure is accepted. However, fact-checking reveals key parts of that report are inaccurate or unverified.
Here’s a breakdown of what is confirmed, what is uncertain or wrong, and what sources have said:
✅ What is Verified
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$2.5 Billion Pledge to Women’s Health by 2030
On 4 August 2025, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation officially committed US$2.5 billion over the period to 2030 toward women’s health innovations. This funding aims to address often neglected areas such as obstetric care, maternal immunization, menstrual and gynecological health, contraceptive innovation, sexually transmitted infections, and maternal nutrition. Reuters+2Gates Foundation+2 -
Focus on Contraceptive Innovation, Including Hormonal IUDs
The women’s health innovations include work on contraceptive methods such as hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) with long-acting potential (e.g. up to 8 years), and a contraceptive patch, among other options. These are designed to be more accessible and suitable for low- and middle-income settings. Business Insider Africa+2Reuters+2
🚫 What Is Not Supported (Misreports or False Claims)
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No Evidence Gates Says He Has Invested More Than $25 Billion in Africa in Those Areas
There is no credible source confirming Gates has publicly stated he has already invested over US$25 billion in those specific sectors (health, agriculture, gender equality, nutrition, sanitation) across Africa. The most recent clearly verified figure is the $2.5 billion for women’s health R&D. Reuters+2Business Insider Africa+2 -
No Confirmed Statement from Gates About “Surprise at Resistance” to Hormonal IUD
The claim that Gates said he was surprised by resistance to hormonal IUDs in Africa is not substantiated in reliable reports. Fact‐checking organisations have looked into viral posts connecting such statements to Gates or national leaders, and many have been found to be false or unverified. For example, Namibia’s presidency declared a post purporting a rejection of hormonal IUD trials was fake. Reuters+2Africa Check+2 -
No Public Offer Explicitly Tied to Acceptance of the Measure
The idea that Gates said he would invest more if the measure (i.e. adoption of hormonal IUDs or removal of “resistance”) is accepted is not found in credible sources.
🔍 Additional Context & Key Takeaways
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The $2.5B commitment is part of a broader move by the Gates Foundation to fill gaps in research, development, and equitable access to essential women’s health services and innovations. This includes exploring long-acting contraceptives and working to make them more accessible. Reuters+2Gates Foundation+2
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The hormonal IUD in question is being developed and offered with attention to cost, acceptability, safety, and regulatory requirements. It is not unique to Africa — such IUDs have been in use in other regions, but the innovation lies in adapting them for affordability, supply logistics, and cultural fit. Business Insider Africa+1
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Misinformation has circulated, especially claims that national leaders have rejected proposals or have made statements that suit a certain narrative. Fact checkers (Reuters, PesaCheck, AfricaCheck) have found many of these claims to be false or without source. Reuters+2Africa Check+2
What This Means Going Forward
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Public discourse should be cautious: it’s important to verify statements especially around sensitive issues like contraceptive access, health policy, and women’s empowerment.
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There is real investment from the Gates Foundation, but headlines exaggerating the scale (e.g. “$25 billion invested already”) are misleading.
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If more transparency emerges (in interviews, foundation reports, etc.) about Gates’ views on resistance to specific family planning methods, those should be carefully documented and fact-checked.
Source Credit:
Based primarily on reports from Reuters, Gates Foundation publications, Business Insider Africa, PesaCheck, and AfricaCheck (August-September 2025).
OAFLAD Unveils Call to Action for Women and Girls at Africa Climate Summit
At the 2nd Africa Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) launched a new Call to Action: “Building Resilience for Women and Girls in the Face of Climate Change and Conflict.”
Opened by Kenya’s First Lady, H.E. Rachel Ruto, the event gathered over 150 participants, partners, and member states. Keynote speakers—including Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah (African Union Commission) and Prof. Senait Fisseha (Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation)—highlighted the urgent need for women-centered climate solutions.
The campaign, unveiled by OAFLAD President H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, calls on governments and partners to:
Integrate gender-responsive adaptation and peacebuilding.
Ensure equitable access to climate finance for women and displaced populations.
Empower women and girls as leaders of resilience.
Partners like UN Women, WHO, IOM, and EGPAF stressed the vulnerabilities of displaced women and girls amid climate and conflict pressures.
🔗 Watch the campaign video: [YouTube Link]
📌 Source: OAFLAD / Africa Climate Summit
Financial Coach Geh Geh Splurges Millions on New G-Wagon After Criticizing Celebrities
Popular financial content creator and coach, Emmanuel Obrutse, widely known as Geh Geh, has set social media on fire after showing off his latest luxury ride — a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
The announcement, made in January 2025, came as a surprise to many because Geh Geh had only recently criticized celebrities like Davido, Wizkid, and Rema for spending lavishly on exotic cars instead of making wise investments.
Taking to Instagram, he wrote:
> “Mùmù don first you buy G-Wagon… CONGRATULATIONS to me. A lot of them Doubted… All thanks to @donjazzy and @mazitundeednut… Thanks Opueh Nation, God bless you all for me.”
While his supporters congratulated him on the milestone, many netizens were quick to call him out for contradicting his own financial advice. Some online reactions included:
“Geh Geh don make financial mistake money wey he suppose use open poultry.”
“Very big financial mistake!”
“I give you 24 hours to return this car!!”
Despite the backlash, Geh Geh’s G-Wagon has already become a hot topic across blogs, forums, and social platforms, proving once again that he knows how to stay in the spotlight.
Whether this was a “financial mistake” or simply a well-deserved reward for his hard work, one thing is certain — Geh Geh’s name is on everyone’s lips.
WATFORD COMMUNITY FAMILY FUN DAY 2025 – EVENT RECAP
ECOWAS Leaders Offer Grace Period as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Plan Withdrawal
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) faces a historic shift as leaders of the regional bloc have approved the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—three nations currently under military rule. However, to preserve ties, ECOWAS has extended a six-month grace period, allowing the countries to reconsider their decision.
Founding Members Depart
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, founding members of ECOWAS since its establishment in 1975, announced plans to leave the bloc in January 2025. This decision follows their refusal to comply with ECOWAS’s demands to restore democratic governance after recent military coups in these nations.
The departure of these three countries deals a significant blow to ECOWAS, which has long been a cornerstone of economic and political integration in West Africa. Citizens of ECOWAS member states currently enjoy the right to live and work across borders, with free movement of goods. The withdrawal raises questions about how these freedoms will be affected.
A New Bloc Emerges
The departing states have formed a new alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which has already announced visa-free travel and residency rights for ECOWAS citizens. Leaders of AES emphasize that this decision reflects a spirit of friendship and a desire to maintain long-standing cultural and historical ties across the region.
Despite these assurances, the three nations remain among the poorest in West Africa, and most migration flows traditionally move from these landlocked states to wealthier coastal countries within ECOWAS.
ECOWAS Negotiates a Transitional Period
During a summit in Nigeria, ECOWAS leaders expressed respect for the decision of the Sahel nations but emphasized the hope for reconciliation. They offered a transitional period from 29 January to 29 July 2025, during which the three countries can rejoin the bloc if they choose.
Negotiations, led by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s Faure Gnassingbé, will continue in an effort to mend relations. Yet, the Sahel states maintain that their decision to leave is “irreversible,” as confirmed in a joint statement following a ministerial meeting in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Challenges Ahead for Regional Cooperation
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger poses serious challenges for regional unity. ECOWAS stands to lose 76 million people—a significant portion of its population—as well as more than half of its geographical land area.
In a statement, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray described the impending exit as “disheartening,” but acknowledged the value of ongoing mediation efforts. Meanwhile, AES Chairman and Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta assured that the right of ECOWAS citizens to move and reside within AES territory freely would remain intact, signaling a willingness to maintain amicable relations.
Underlying Tensions
Relations between ECOWAS and the Sahel states have been strained since the military coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023). ECOWAS suspended the membership of these nations and condemned the coups, demanding a return to civilian rule.
However, the military juntas have resisted these calls and shifted their alliances toward Russia, accusing ECOWAS of being too aligned with Western powers. This geopolitical pivot underscores the deepening divisions within the region.
What Lies Ahead?
As ECOWAS prepares for the formal departure of the Sahel states, the bloc’s leadership is tasked with navigating this unprecedented split. The coming months will determine whether negotiations can bridge the growing divide or if the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will mark a permanent fracture in West African unity.
TODAY IN THE HISTORY OF NIGERIA
Grace Awani Alele-Williams: Trailblazer in Nigerian Academia and Women’s Education
Grace Awani Alele-Williams, a trailblazing Nigerian academic, was the first woman to earn a doctorate degree in Nigeria and serve as vice-chancellor of a Nigerian university. Born on December 16, 1932, in Warri, Delta State, to Itsekiri parents, she made indelible marks in mathematics and education.
Grace Alele-Williams began her education at Government School, Warri, and Queen’s College, Lagos, before attending the University College of Ibadan (now the University of Ibadan). In 1957, she earned an MSc in Mathematics while teaching at Queen’s College, Ede, Osun State. She furthered her studies at the University of Chicago, obtaining a PhD in Mathematics Education in 1963.
An advocate for women’s education, she began her teaching career at Queen’s College, Ede, where she taught for three years. She later worked as a graduate assistant and assistant professor at the University of Vermont. From 1963 to 1965, she served as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Education at the University of Ibadan. Her career advanced further in 1976 when she became a professor of mathematics at the University of Lagos.
In 1985, Grace Alele-Williams achieved a historic milestone as the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university when she was appointed to lead the University of Benin. After her tenure, she joined the board of directors of Chevron-Texaco Nigeria and HIP Asset Management Company Limited in Lagos.
Her contributions extended beyond Nigeria. She was a member of the UNESCO Institute of Education and served as a consultant to UNESCO and the Institute of International Education Planning.
Grace Alele-Williams was celebrated with numerous awards and honors during her lifetime. She received the Order of the Niger, was elected a Fellow of the Mathematical Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Academy of Education, and was among 100 individuals honored with the Centenary Award for outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s development. She was also featured in a unique deck of playing cards showcasing notable women mathematicians, published by the Association of Women in Mathematics.
Grace Alele-Williams passed away on March 25, 2022, at the age of 89, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and advocacy for women in education.
Appreciation Message
On behalf of the Nigerian Community in Blantyre, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for our End-of-Year Party celebration. Your presence, support, and contributions made the event a memorable success.
Special thanks go to our organizing committee, sponsors, and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Your efforts exemplify the spirit of unity and togetherness that defines our community.
As we reflect on the achievements of this year, let us continue to foster love, respect, and collaboration within our community. May the coming year bring even greater blessings, opportunities, and reasons to celebrate together.
Thank you once again for making this event remarkable. Here’s to a prosperous and joyful new year for us all!
Warm regards,
Bonaventure Emmyk Uduchukwu
(Onye bu onye eze)
Chairman
Nigerian Community Blantyre, Malawi.
Afrinity Connect Live with Wilfred Adams on AfrinityTV
*Afrinity Connect Live with Wilfred Adams on AfrinityTV* will be hosting the organizers of the *Live Musical Concert Festival* today, Saturday, 23rd November, at 8 PM.
*Event: Hallowed Be Thy Name 2024*
*Theme:* Fulness of Joy Overflow!
*Day 1:*
*Date:* 7th December 2024
*Time:* 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
*Venue:* The Clarendon Muse, 70 Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JA
*Day 2:*
*Date:* 8th December 2024
*Time:* 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
*Venue:* The Sixth Form Centre, Watford Grammar School for Boys, Rickmansworth Road, Watford, WD18 7JF
*Free Entry & Open to All*
🚗 *Free Parking*
🎟 *Reserve Tickets:* Scan the QR Code on the flyer to register or visit Eventbrite:
MCF Day 1: https://tinyurl.com/2kkbc5zm
#LiveMusicalConcertFestival2024
#FulnessofJoyOverflow
#HallowedBeThyName2024
#Watford
#WatfordCommunity
#HertfordshireCommunity
AfrinityTV will be live at the event! 🎥📹
AFRI-10-MENT
Get ready for an unforgettable night of excitement on Afri10ment, exclusively on Afrinity TV! This Friday at 7pm Malawian Time, join the dynamic Joel Valeta as he showcases the incredibly talented Loyal Dancers from Ndilande, Malawi! Tune in for a thrilling performance that will have you dancing in your living room! Don’t miss out on this spectacular event! #Afri10ment #AfrinityTV #LoyalDancers #Ndilande #Malawi #Music #Dance
D5 Creation