The Nigerian government has formed a multi-ministerial committee to develop a transition and sustainability plan for USAID-funded health programs following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend most foreign aid for 90 days. Officials say the committee will focus on securing alternative funding to ensure critical health services remain uninterrupted.
According to Nigeria’s Minister of Health, the committee comprising representatives from the ministries of finance, health, and environment aims to protect patients relying on USAID-backed programs for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria treatment.
President Trump’s aid suspension, enacted just two weeks into his tenure, temporarily halted U.S. foreign assistance. However, a subsequent waiver allows for continued humanitarian support, including essential medicine, food, and shelter. Despite this exemption, concerns persist about the long-term future of U.S. funding for global health initiatives.
Public health expert Ejike Orji commended Nigeria’s swift response to the funding freeze, noting that the review process could help the government plan for potential funding gaps.
“The U.S. has given a 90-day review period due to the strategic importance of Nigeria’s HIV program. However, there is still a chance they might decide to discontinue funding after the review”, Orji warned.
Nigeria, a major recipient of U.S. foreign aid, received $1.02 billion in 2023, with USAID playing a key role in HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal and child care, and disease prevention efforts. In response to the funding uncertainty, Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council approved $1 billion for healthcare reforms on Monday, including $3.2 million for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months.
Authorities say the new funding will strengthen primary healthcare services, maternal and child care, and the training of medical professionals. However, sustaining these programs without continued U.S. support remains a challenge.
Ndeayo Iwot, general secretary of the Health Sector Reforms Coalition, cautioned that even with timely fund disbursement, gaps would remain.
“Even with the funds available, they won’t cover all the areas that USAID was supporting. It could take two to three years to bridge the gap”, he said.
Nigeria faces a significant public health burden, with approximately 1.8 million people living with HIV, the highest malaria mortality rate globally, and one of the highest tuberculosis case counts. Iwot stressed the need for broader partnerships in financing health initiatives.
“Health funding requires a multi-sectoral approach. Relying on multiple partners and stakeholders is the best way forward”, he noted.
Currently, Nigeria allocates just 4% of its annual budget to healthcare far below the 15% target set by African leaders in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
As the 90-day review period unfolds, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will reinstate full funding. Analysts say Nigeria’s ability to adapt through strategic planning and partnerships will be crucial in safeguarding its healthcare programs.
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