US commits $2.1bn to Nigeria health system
The United States has established a five-year bilateral health pact with Nigeria aimed at enhancing the nation's health system, particularly through the growth of faith-based healthcare services.
As per the United States Department of State, the Memorandum of Understanding, signed on Saturday, pledges nearly $2.1 billion in US funding to support initiatives for the prevention and treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
Over the course of this agreement, Nigeria is anticipated to boost its domestic health spending by almost $3 billion.
Thomas Pigott, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department, announced the agreement, which is part of the America First Global Health Strategy.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the State Department noted that Nigeria’s financial commitment signifies “the largest co-investment made by any country thus far under the America First Global Health Strategy.”
“On this day, the United States Department of State has signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Republic of Nigeria aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s health system, with a strong focus on promoting Christian faith-based healthcare providers.
“Through this MOU, the Department of State, in collaboration with Congress, plans to allocate nearly $2.1 billion to enhance essential preventive and curative services for HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
“Moreover, Nigeria is set to raise its domestic health expenditures by nearly $3 billion during the duration of the MOU, representing the largest co-investment made by any nation to date under the America First Global Health Strategy,” the statement indicated.
The statement also pointed out that the Memorandum of Understanding is linked to recent reforms undertaken by the Nigerian government aimed at safeguarding Christian communities against violence.
As part of the agreement, specific funding will be designated for Christian healthcare facilities, especially those offering integrated services for infectious diseases and maternal and child health.
“The MOU was negotiated alongside reforms implemented by the Nigerian government to prioritize the protection of Christian populations from violence and includes substantial funding dedicated to support Christian healthcare facilities, with an emphasis on improving access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services,” the statement noted.
Currently, Nigeria has around 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals, serving more than 30 percent of the population, according to the State Department.
US officials indicated that investing in these facilities aims to complement public healthcare services and enhance the overall health infrastructure of the nation.
“Nigeria’s 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals currently cater to more than 30 percent of Nigerians, and investments in these facilities are ideally suited to bolster efforts in public health facilities and fortify Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure,” the statement further expressed.
The Department of State also emphasized that US assistance remains subject to assessment.
“As with all forms of foreign aid, the President and Secretary of State hold the authority to suspend or terminate any programs that do not align with national interests,” the statement clarified.
The Memorandum of Understanding was finalized amid increased scrutiny of Nigeria by the United States, including travel restrictions recently imposed by the Donald Trump administration, citing concerns over national security and visa overstays.
The America First Global Health Strategy, introduced in September 2025, pertains to nations receiving US health assistance and shifts US global health policy towards bilateral agreements, enhanced partner-country co-investment, and intensified efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other key diseases while reinforcing national health systems.
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