…As Reps advocate for a healthcare Trust Fund

By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, has assured that the federal government is taking proactive steps to address funding and policy gaps in the nation’s healthcare system, especially in light of the recent withdrawal of healthcare funding by the United States.

Speaking at an interactive session with the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria on Thursday, the minister emphasized that despite the sudden nature of the US decision, the impact has been mitigated due to pre-existing government policies and interventions.

Prof. Pate acknowledged that the US government’s policy shift was significant but noted that it also presents an opportunity for research and innovation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“We appreciate the billions of dollars in support from the US government over the years, but the responsibility to provide healthcare for our citizens ultimately rests on us. While we are grateful for past assistance, we must now focus on sustaining and improving healthcare services so that no Nigerian will be left without treatment for HIV, malaria, or other conditions.”

The minister highlighted that external donors have largely funded Nigeria’s HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria programs for over two decades. However, he stressed that Nigeria must take ownership of its healthcare system by increasing domestic funding.

“For 20 to 25 years, external partners have played a major role in funding HIV, TB, and malaria programs in Nigeria. While we appreciate their contributions, it is time to strengthen our own funding mechanisms. The US government, through programs like PEPFAR and USAID’s malaria initiatives, has been a major player, alongside other international partners. However, much of this support has been channeled through external entities rather than directly into our government systems.”

Prof. Pate explained that Nigeria had already initiated several healthcare interventions before the US policy shift, which have helped cushion the impact of the funding withdrawal.

“We had already launched multiple programs in collaboration with federal, state, and local governments. When the US decision was announced, we immediately conducted a thorough bottom-up analysis, involving agencies like NACA, the Public Health Department, and TB and malaria programs, to assess the funding gaps and devise strategies to fill them.”

He further stated that the government is actively securing alternative funding for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, reproductive health, nutrition, and public health programs.

Chairman of the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah, emphasized the importance of domestic healthcare funding and commended the Nigerian government’s response to the US withdrawal.

“For years, we have advocated for increased domestic funding and reduced dependence on foreign aid. Now that the US has withdrawn its financial support for African health systems, Nigeria has stepped up by allocating more resources to tackle HIV, TB, and malaria. This shift, in a way, is a blessing in disguise as it forces us to take ownership of our healthcare.”

Rep. Ogah praised Prof. Pate and the Ministry of Health for their efforts in securing increased budgetary allocations for the health sector. He also reiterated his call for the creation of a Healthcare Sector Trust Fund, similar to TETFUND in the education sector, to ensure sustainable healthcare financing.

“Many African countries are struggling with healthcare funding at this moment. We need a Healthcare Trust Fund that will provide a stable financial base for critical health programs. We cannot continue facing such challenges whenever external donors withdraw their support.”

Addressing journalists after the session, Prof. Pate stressed the vital role lawmakers play in raising awareness and mobilizing support for healthcare initiatives.

“Our lawmakers are a crucial vehicle for health advocacy. They can educate Nigerians on preventive measures for diseases like HIV and TB, the importance of sanitation, nutrition, immunization, and primary healthcare access. They should also encourage their constituents to take proactive health measures.”

The minister highlighted First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s role as a champion for tuberculosis awareness and called on legislators to collaborate in improving public health.

“By leveraging the influence of parliamentarians at both federal and state levels, we can ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare. President Tinubu’s administration recognizes that a healthy population is essential for human capital development and national prosperity.”