US Funding Withdrawal: Nigeria Addressing Healthcare Funding Gaps, Says Health Minister
Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, has assured that the federal government is taking proactive steps to address funding and policy gaps in the nation’s healthcare system following the recent withdrawal of healthcare funding by the United States. Speaking at an interactive session with the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria on Thursday, the minister emphasized that the impact of the US decision has been mitigated due to pre-existing government policies and interventions.
US Policy Shift and Nigeria’s Response
Prof. Pate acknowledged the significance of the US government’s decision to withdraw funding but noted that it presents an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its healthcare system through research, innovation, and increased domestic funding.
“We appreciate the billions of dollars in support from the US government over the years, but the responsibility to provide healthcare for our citizens ultimately rests on us. While we are grateful for past assistance, we must now focus on sustaining and improving healthcare services so that no Nigerian will be left without treatment for HIV, malaria, or other conditions,” he said.
The minister highlighted that external donors, including the US through programs like PEPFAR and USAID’s malaria initiatives, have largely funded Nigeria’s HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria programs for over two decades. However, he stressed the need for Nigeria to take ownership of its healthcare system by increasing domestic funding and reducing reliance on foreign aid.
“For 20 to 25 years, external partners have played a major role in funding HIV, TB, and malaria programs in Nigeria. While we appreciate their contributions, it is time to strengthen our own funding mechanisms. Much of this support has been channeled through external entities rather than directly into our government systems,” Prof. Pate explained.
Mitigating the Impact of Funding Withdrawal
Prof. Pate revealed that Nigeria had already initiated several healthcare interventions before the US policy shift, which have helped cushion the impact of the funding withdrawal. He stated that the government conducted a thorough analysis involving agencies like the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Public Health Department, and TB and malaria programs to assess funding gaps and devise strategies to address them.
“We had already launched multiple programs in collaboration with federal, state, and local governments. When the US decision was announced, we immediately conducted a thorough bottom-up analysis to assess the funding gaps and devise strategies to fill them,” he said.
The minister added that the government is actively securing alternative funding for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, reproductive health, nutrition, and public health programs.
Lawmakers Advocate for Domestic Funding
Chairman of the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah, commended the Nigerian government’s response to the US funding withdrawal and emphasized the importance of domestic healthcare funding.
“For years, we have advocated for increased domestic funding and reduced dependence on foreign aid. Now that the US has withdrawn its financial support for African health systems, Nigeria has stepped up by allocating more resources to tackle HIV, TB, and malaria. This shift, in a way, is a blessing in disguise as it forces us to take ownership of our healthcare,” Rep. Ogah said.
He praised Prof. Pate and the Ministry of Health for securing increased budgetary allocations for the health sector and reiterated his call for the creation of a Healthcare Sector Trust Fund, similar to TETFUND in the education sector, to ensure sustainable healthcare financing.
“Many African countries are struggling with healthcare funding at this moment. We need a Healthcare Trust Fund that will provide a stable financial base for critical health programs. We cannot continue facing such challenges whenever external donors withdraw their support,” he added.
Role of Lawmakers in Health Advocacy
Addressing journalists after the session, Prof. Pate highlighted the vital role lawmakers play in raising awareness and mobilizing support for healthcare initiatives.
“Our lawmakers are a crucial vehicle for health advocacy. They can educate Nigerians on preventive measures for diseases like HIV and TB, the importance of sanitation, nutrition, immunization, and primary healthcare access. They should also encourage their constituents to take proactive health measures,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s role as a champion for tuberculosis awareness and called on legislators to collaborate in improving public health.
“By leveraging the influence of parliamentarians at both federal and state levels, we can ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare. President Tinubu’s administration recognizes that a healthy population is essential for human capital development and national prosperity,” Prof. Pate concluded.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of US healthcare funding has prompted Nigeria to take decisive steps toward strengthening its healthcare system. While the move poses challenges, it also offers an opportunity for the country to prioritize domestic funding, innovation, and sustainable healthcare solutions. With increased government commitment and collaboration with lawmakers, Nigeria aims to ensure that its citizens continue to receive quality healthcare services despite the shifting global funding landscape.
