Nigeria Seeks Alternative Health Funding As U.S. Cuts USAID Support (Video)

The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to closing funding and policy gaps in the nation’s health sector following the recent suspension of USAID funding by the United States government.

In response to the withdrawal of donor support, the House of Representatives has called for the establishment of a Healthcare Trust Fund to provide sustainable financing for critical diseases and healthcare delivery.

During an interactive session between the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, and the House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM), lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for a dedicated fund to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Chairman of the House Committee on ATM, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, drew parallels with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), which has significantly supported the education sector.

“A lot of countries in Africa are struggling at this moment. I just came back from Tanzania on the issue of health and materials. So, I think there is a need. Like we have an education fund, we need a healthcare trust fund to address the funding gaps in the health sector,” Ogah stated.

The call for a trust fund follows the January 24, 2025, announcement by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend USAID funding for three months across more than 10,000 organizations in over 120 countries, impacting numerous health programs in Nigeria.

Recognizing the need for self-reliance, the Nigerian government has launched a committee to develop a transitional sustainability plan for USAID-funded programs. Additionally, more than ₦700 billion has been allocated for capital appropriation in the health sector, alongside ₦288 billion designated for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which supports 8,800 primary healthcare centers nationwide.

Despite these interventions, lawmakers raised concerns over persistent funding shortages and urged the government to explore alternative financing mechanisms, including the proposed Healthcare Trust Fund.

The discussion also highlighted the prevalence of counterfeit drugs, with concerns over how fake medications continue to enter the country despite regulatory efforts. Lawmakers stressed the need for improved oversight and urged collaboration between federal and state governments to enhance healthcare funding.

In response, Minister of Health Mohammed Pate assured that the federal government is taking proactive steps to address the shortfall in healthcare financing.

“The initiatives and interventions by the government in healthcare delivery have helped to mitigate the impact of the withdrawal of funding for certain health programs by the US government on Nigeria,” Pate explained.

The proposed Healthcare Trust Fund is expected to provide a sustainable and long-term funding solution for the health sector, enabling the government to better address the healthcare needs of Nigerians.