₦airaland Forum

Nigerian officials have launched a committee to develop a transition and sustainability plan for USAID-funded health programs following U.S. President Donald Trump’s 90-day halt of most foreign aid. The multi-ministerial committee aims to secure new financial support for critical health programs.

Nigeria’s health minister said the committee—comprising officials from the ministries of finance, health, and environment—intends to ensure that patients receiving treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria do not experience setbacks amid the uncertainty over U.S. foreign policy.

Shortly after taking office two weeks ago, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day pause on U.S. foreign aid. But days later, he approved a temporary waiver for life-saving humanitarian assistance, covering medicine, medical services, food, and shelter.

Despite the exemption, concerns remain over the future of U.S. funding for global health programs.
Public health expert Ejike Orji welcomed Nigeria’s proactive response to the U.S. funding freeze.

"What this means is that they're going to do a review, situation assessment of what's going on and that would give them the opportunity to make recommendations to the government.

They (U.S.) gave a ninety-day review because of the strategic importance of continuing the HIV program in Nigeria, so that means there's still a possibility after their review, they might say, ‘Look, we don't want to continue this funding," said Orji.

Nigeria is a significant recipient of U.S. foreign aid, receiving $1.02 billion in 2023, much of it through agencies like USAID.

USAID funding to Nigeria plays a pivotal role in HIV/AIDS treatment, maternal and child care, and disease prevention efforts.

On Monday, the Nigerian Federal Executive Council approved $1 billion for healthcare sector reforms and allocated an additional $3.2 million to procure 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months.

Authorities said the new funding will support improvements in primary healthcare services, maternal and child healthcare, and training of healthcare professionals.

But Ndeayo Iwot, general secretary of the Health Sector Reforms Coalition, said it will be difficult to sustain those programs without continued U.S. support.

"Even when they're releasing the available funds on time, they will not be able to cover all the areas that those funds [aid] were helping them to achieve. It will take time, probably two, three years," said Iwot.

Approximately 1.8 million Nigerians are living with HIV. The country also accounts for the world's highest number of malaria deaths and ranks among the top countries for tuberculosis cases.
Iwot said Nigeria needs new partnerships for health programs.

"Health needs a multi sectoral approach, it works on partnerships, there are certain things you shouldn't do alone as a country. Going through resource pulling from many partners and stakeholders is a recommended approach to financing health activities,” said Iwot.

Currently, only about 4% of Nigeria’s annual budget is allocated to the health sector—far below the 15 percent target set by African leaders in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.

It's unclear whether the U.S. will reverse its decision after the 90-day pause. But with uncertainty looming, analysts say careful implementation of policies and new partnerships may be Nigeria’s best path forward.

EmperorCaesar:
As the weeks go by, those that claimed PBAT came into the power without a plan seems to be dumber that we initially thought

Never in our history have we ever had a very proactive Government at the helm of affairs


Fvck Saner clime and its dumb worshippers

God bless Nigeria

EmperorCaesar:
As the weeks go by, those that claimed PBAT came into the power without a plan seems to be dumber that we initially thought

Never in our history have we ever had a very proactive Government at the helm of affairs


Fvck Saner clime and its dumb worshippers

God bless Nigeria

TimeManager:
https://www.voanews.com/a/nigeria-announces-measures-to-soften-impact-of-usaid-programs-suspension/7962960.html

IpobAntidote:
The biggest parasite on US aid is Israel. I wonder if the zionist parasite apartheid terrorist criminals will also have their aids removed.
I'm tired of the US govt using my hard-earned tax money to finance the zionist terrorist govt of Israel.

TimeManager:
Lucky Nigerians has a hands-on President who is always proactive. Nigeria, we giant of Africa.


-Kiss the truth!

frog12:
unbelievable, so nigeria received 1billion dollars in 2023 from USAID. I thank Trump for stopping this corrupt money. how can you continue to provide money to people for 60 years, and there is no result?

TimeManager:
Lucky Nigerians has a hands-on President who is always proactive. Nigeria, we giant of Africa.


-Kiss the truth!

dustmalik:
If you believe this idiotic administration, you might as well write it on your forehead that you are an idiotic fool.

Smartcitizen:
YES!

This is the president who is good in seeing his people suffer to death and promising them heaven on earth.

Example price of patrol will come down.... for where?


😂😂😂😂

-Kiss your lies!

Putindbutt:
So, it is you an idiotic nobody wailing on Nairaland that we should believe.

NothingDoMe:
He's mostly senile. That's why people do whatever they want in government. See the looting in EFCC.

Good thing is a couple of Yoruba leaders are pitching in in the background to help otherwise Tinubu would have done much more damage than he already has.

And yes, God bless Nigeria, America, Canada and the UK.

dustmalik:
God punish you and your entire generation, useless animal.