The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a N4.8 billion funding package to sustain HIV treatment programs across Nigeria following the recent suspension of U.S. development assistance. The decision was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, after a FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Pate stated that the funds will be used to procure 150,000 treatment packs for HIV patients over the next four months, ensuring continuity of care for those affected by the disease.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations despite shifts in international support. Pate emphasized that the approval of the Presidential Treatment Programme for HIV patients demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to invest in its healthcare system and reduce dependence on foreign aid. While acknowledging the historical contributions of the U.S. government in supporting Nigeria’s fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, he stressed that the administration is prioritizing self-sufficiency by mobilizing domestic resources for critical health programs.
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the U.S. government’s suspension of aid, particularly given its longstanding role in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Pate acknowledged the significance of this external support but reaffirmed that Nigeria is actively working to transition toward a more sustainable model of healthcare financing. He noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the focus is on strengthening national health systems to ensure no patient currently receiving treatment is left without care.
To facilitate this transition, the FEC has established a high-level committee composed of representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Defense, Health, Environment, Budget and National Planning, as well as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The committee has been tasked with assessing the implications of the U.S. policy shift and developing a strategy to sustain critical health programs. Pate stated that the committee will oversee the transition and sustainability plan while the U.S. government conducts its 90-day review of aid policies. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would find effective solutions to adapt to these changes while continuing to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure.
The minister reiterated the government’s broader vision of building a resilient healthcare system driven by domestic resources and innovative financing models. He emphasized that reducing dependence on foreign aid is crucial not only to mitigate the impact of external policy shifts but also to achieve long-term health security for Nigerians. The government remains committed to leveraging domestic resources to ensure that life-saving treatments for diseases such as HIV, TB, and malaria remain accessible to all who need them.
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