The Nigerian government has announced plans to take over the salaries of 28,000 health workers previously funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This follows the recent decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to halt USAID operations, a move that has sent shockwaves across many beneficiary nations, particularly in Africa.
The freeze on billions of dollars in global aid has dominated discussions worldwide, raising concerns over its impact on healthcare interventions in countries like Nigeria. Experts fear this decision could significantly reverse progress in the fight against diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy program, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, detailed the federal government’s response to the crisis. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system and reducing dependence on foreign aid.
Professor Pate acknowledged the longstanding structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s healthcare system, attributing them to decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, medical equipment, and human resources.
“We have not come together as a nation to build a National Health System,” he explained. “Government revenue as a portion of GDP has been very low, and this has affected funding for critical sectors like health and education. However, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, there is now a deliberate effort to prioritize human capital development, with healthcare as a major focus.”
To mitigate the impact of the USAID aid cut, Professor Pate confirmed that the Federal Government has finalized plans to absorb 28,000 health workers whose salaries were previously covered by U.S. aid.
“These are Nigerian health workers, and we cannot afford to abandon them. Our government has a responsibility to ensure continuity in healthcare services. While we appreciate the contributions of the U.S. over the years, we must now focus on self-sufficiency,” he stated.
The government has also initiated discussions with state governors and private sector stakeholders to mobilize additional resources. Recently, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved nearly $1 billion in funding for healthcare programs, marking a significant step toward sustainable healthcare financing.
Professor Pate stressed the need for Nigeria to transition away from reliance on international aid by increasing domestic investment in healthcare.
“We may be a developing country, but we are not helpless. We must produce our own medical supplies, strengthen our health value chains, and enhance surveillance systems to tackle infectious diseases locally. More than 70% of our drugs and 99% of our medical devices are imported. That must change,” he said.
Additionally, the government is encouraging local pharmaceutical companies to ramp up production, ensuring the availability of essential medicines at affordable prices.
Touching on the electricity crisis at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, which has persisted for over 100 days, Professor Pate assured Nigerians that steps are being taken to resolve the issue.
“UCH was disconnected due to accumulated debts to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. However, the hospital has transitioned to off-grid solar power for key departments such as operating theaters and wards. Moving forward, we are working with the Rural Electrification Agency to solarize all federal hospitals in the 2025 budget,” he revealed.
A New Era for Nigeria’s Health Sector
Despite the challenges, Professor Pate remains optimistic about Nigeria’s healthcare future.
“We are on the path to transforming our health sector. The commitment of the president, governors, and private sector partners gives us confidence that we will not only sustain but improve healthcare services for Nigerians,” he concluded.
The federal government’s decision to take responsibility for the 28,000 affected health workers marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. While the USAID funding freeze poses undeniable challenges, the crisis has also presented an opportunity for the country to redefine its healthcare strategy and build a more resilient system for the future.
PIONEER NEWS 