- Nigeria unveiled significant health sector investments after the U.S. altered its development aid policy, with a focus on human capital and sustainable healthcare
- The Federal Executive Council approved a $1bn initiative to enhance human capital and N4.8bn for the Presidential HIV Treatment Programme, to ensure uninterrupted care for 150,000 patients
- Health Minister Pate confirmed the formation of a committee to oversee these new strategies
Nigeria has announced significant domestic health sector investments following a shift in the United States’ (U.S.) development assistance policy.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved two major initiatives, aimed at bolstering human capital development and sustaining essential healthcare services across the country.
The approved plans include a $1 billion initiative to enhance human capital development and N4.8 billion for the Presidential Treatment Programme for HIV patients.
The announcement came after the U.S. government imposed an emergency humanitarian waiver, pausing its previous funding for HIV treatment in developing countries, which included support for Nigeria’s HIV initiatives.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, revealed the new strategies during a briefing at the State House in Abuja on Monday, February 3.
He explained that a standing committee has been established to oversee the sustainability of these health programmes.
The committee includes representatives from the ministries of Finance, Health, Environment, Defence, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
Professor Pate noted that the proactive steps taken by the government are a response to the U.S. policy change, which had been ordered under a broader review of foreign aid by US President Donald Trump.
Nigeria has historically relied on international assistance, particularly from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), for HIV treatment and prevention programmes.
“The N4.8 billion allocated for the Presidential Treatment Programme will provide 150,000 treatment packs for HIV patients over the next four months, ensuring that ongoing treatment remains uninterrupted. “This allocation is critical for ensuring that those living with HIV continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption,” stated Professor Pate.
The FEC’s decision aligns with the Nigerian government’s commitment to transitioning towards national healthcare financing.
The goal is to reduce reliance on external aid while ensuring the long-term sustainability of essential health services for Nigerian citizens.
The $1 billion initiative, which forms part of the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme, will focus on enhancing health, education, and social protection.
The programme is a collaboration with the International Development Association (IDA) and is expected to bring about far-reaching improvements in the country’s healthcare system.
Half of the allocated $1 billion, amounting to $500 million, will be used for governance reforms at the state level, including improved financial and human resource management, as well as incentivising the recruitment and training of healthcare professionals.
The remaining $500 million will be directed towards strengthening primary healthcare, expanding emergency maternal and child health services, and integrating digital health solutions.
“These investments will enhance the quality and resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring that our people receive the care they need,” Professor Pate explained.
While acknowledging the contributions of the U.S. government over the past two decades, Professor Pate expressed Nigeria’s determination to now focus on transforming its health sector with domestic resources and national systems.
FG allocates N1.6bn to combat ginger blight and boost food security
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously wrote on the government’s allocation of N1.6 billion naira to combat ginger blight and boost food security for Nigerian farmers.
This was revealed by Fredrick Nwabufo, President Bola Tinubu's senior special assistant on public engagement, on his X account on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Also, he included that the government was turning its attention to livestock production, distributing 14 million doses of vaccines to prevent common animal diseases and providing extensive biosecurity training to livestock farmers to curb antimicrobial resistance.
