Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President of Nigeria has decried the continued deaths of children from preventable diseases such as malaria, describing it as a failure of leadership and empathy in an age of artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement.

Speaking on Tuesday the unveiling of the CARE 365 Health Hub in Abuja, Obasanjo said it was unacceptable that millions of Nigerians still struggle to access basic healthcare, decades after independence and despite vast improvements in global medical technology.

“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,” Obasanjo said.

“These are not just failures of infrastructure, they are failures of empathy and leadership at all levels.”

According to Obasanjo, technology can be used to drive inclusion, and make health services available to all, while stressing that healthcare is not a privilege but a right. “It is not a favour to the poor; it is our responsibility as leaders, as policymakers, and as patriots,” he said.

He noted that the CARE 365 Health Hub, an initiative backed by private sector partners and health professionals, is an evidence that technology can be used tobbridge healthcare gaps by deploying smart kiosks equipped with diagnostic tools, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine connectivity.

He informed that the system will allow patients in rural and underserved areas to consult licensed doctors, receive diagnoses, and obtain treatment without the need to travel long distances.

Obasanjo, who chaired the event, said the hubs represented a transformative approach to healthcare delivery in Nigeria, one that could rival the impact of mobile telephony on daily life.

“This is not just a technological solution. It is a social justice tool, a game changer. It is health security for all,” he said.

The former president also reflected on the realities of rural communities, where people often trek miles to reach basic health services. He recalled that in some villages, there are no accessible roads, leaving residents without viable options for treatment.

He urged federal and state governments to integrate the system into primary healthcare and emergency services, calling on development partners, banks, and private investors to support and scale up the initiative.

“The true success will be measured not by apps downloaded or kiosks deployed, but by lives saved and dignity restored, by how much Nigerian life expectancy is enhanced,” he added.

The former president enthused that Nigeria will rise, but said such feat must be inclusive, notably access to healthcare. (BusinessDay)