The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, has announced that the Federal Government is set to integrate 28,000 health workers who were previously funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) into the national healthcare workforce.
This move comes in response to a recent policy shift by the United States government, which has led to funding constraints for several global health initiatives, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Pate emphasized that the Nigerian government is taking steps to assume greater responsibility for its healthcare sector. This follows the recent decision by the US government, under an executive order by President Donald Trump, to pause foreign aid funding for HIV treatment in developing countries. The executive order has significantly impacted the disbursement of funds from PEPFAR, a program that has been instrumental in providing HIV treatment for over 20 million people worldwide, including 566,000 Nigerian children under the age of 15.
Despite these funding suspensions, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) confirmed that a waiver had been approved, ensuring that people living with HIV in Nigeria and other affected regions could continue to receive treatment.
To mitigate the impact of the funding pause, the Nigerian government has taken proactive steps, with the Federal Executive Council (FEC) recently approving a budget allocation of N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs. This initiative is aimed at supporting Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS and reducing dependency on external donor agencies.
Minister Pate acknowledged that Nigeria has historically underinvested in its healthcare system, leading to heavy reliance on foreign aid and imported medical supplies. He pointed out that more than 70 percent of medications used in the country are imported, alongside over 99 percent of medical devices.
“Our health sector has been underfunded for years, but President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to changing that narrative. We are working towards a healthcare system that is both sustainable and locally driven,” Pate stated. He further noted that only 30 percent of Nigeria’s healthcare expenditure comes from the government, while the remaining 70 percent is shouldered by private individuals. Though external donors contribute significantly, their support does not constitute the majority of healthcare spending in the country.
Recognizing the valuable contributions of the US government to Nigeria’s health sector, Pate emphasized that it is crucial for both federal and state governments to step up efforts to fill the gaps created by the withdrawal of US aid. He urged policymakers to focus on improving local healthcare investments to ensure the sector’s long-term stability and self-reliance.
“Quality healthcare is not cheap, yet we have not made the necessary investments. However, over the past 18 months, we have made deliberate efforts to increase investments in critical areas. It is alarming that over 70 percent of our drugs are imported, using foreign exchange that we struggle to obtain,” Pate explained.
He reassured Nigerians that the government is determined to take full ownership of its healthcare responsibilities. “We are a capable nation, and we are committed to managing our healthcare system effectively. While we appreciate support from international partners, we are not in a position to rely solely on them. Our approach has always been to increase national ownership of our healthcare system. The 28,000 health workers who were being paid by US government support are Nigerians, and it is our duty to transition them into the national payroll.”
The minister’s statement signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to healthcare financing and workforce management. The government’s commitment to absorbing these health workers highlights a broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign aid and foster a more self-sufficient healthcare system.
As Nigeria moves forward with this transition, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the implementation process to ensure a seamless integration of these health workers, as well as the continued availability of critical health services for the Nigerian populace..
