The Nigerian government is taking bold steps to fill critical healthcare funding gaps following the recent withdrawal of US financial support for key health programs. Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, has assured Nigerians that no one will be left without essential treatment as the country moves to strengthen its domestic healthcare financing.
Speaking at a session with the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Prof. Pate acknowledged that while the US decision was abrupt, Nigeria had already been working on homegrown solutions to reduce dependency on foreign aid.
“We appreciate the billions of dollars in past support from the US government, but ultimately, the responsibility to provide healthcare for our people is ours. We are now taking decisive action to ensure the sustainability of HIV, malaria, and TB programs.”
For over two decades, external donors have played a major role in funding these health programs. However, Prof. Pate emphasized that it’s time for Nigeria to take full ownership, increase domestic funding, and ensure a resilient healthcare system.
The Nigerian government is now securing alternative funding sources for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, reproductive health, nutrition, and public health programs. Lawmakers, led by Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah, have also called for the creation of a Healthcare Sector Trust Fund, similar to TETFUND, to provide long-term financial stability for the health sector.
“The US withdrawal is a wake-up call. It forces us to stop relying on external donors and start investing in our own healthcare system,” Rep. Ogah stated.
Prof. Pate further highlighted that lawmakers have a crucial role in driving health advocacy and educating Nigerians on preventive care, sanitation, immunization, and access to primary healthcare. He also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing tuberculosis awareness and called for a united effort to improve public health across all levels of government.
Nigeria is at a turning point—can we build a self-sufficient healthcare system without foreign aid?
