By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

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, especially in light of 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 despite the sudden nature of the US decision, the impact has been mitigated due to pre-existing government policies and interventions.

Prof. Pate acknowledged that the US government’s policy shift was significant but noted that it also presents an opportunity for research and innovation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“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.”

The minister highlighted that external donors have largely funded Nigeria’s HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria programs for over two decades. However, he stressed that Nigeria must take ownership of its healthcare system by increasing domestic funding.

“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. The US government, through programs like PEPFAR and USAID’s malaria initiatives, has been a major player, alongside other international partners. However, much of this support has been channeled through external entities rather than directly into our government systems.”

Prof. Pate explained that Nigeria had already initiated several healthcare interventions before the US policy shift, which have helped cushion the impact of the funding withdrawal.

“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, involving agencies like NACA, the Public Health Department, and TB and malaria programs, to assess the funding gaps and devise strategies to fill them.”

He further stated that the government is actively securing alternative funding for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, reproductive health, nutrition, and public health programs.



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/us-funding-withdrawal-we-are-addressing-healthcare-funding-gaps-minister/