ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has announced plans to integrate 28,000 health workers previously funded by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, into the national healthcare system.
The move follows the suspension of USAID’s global health and education projects, a decision stemming from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy to halt the agency’s funding.
The funding freeze has raised concerns about the potential reversal of progress in combating diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS in Africa, where many countries rely on USAID’s support.
Government Response and Commitment
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, addressed the development during an appearance on Channels Television’s Hard Copy, highlighting the government’s strategy to mitigate the impact of the funding cut.
“The fundamental issue is that we have not invested seriously in our health infrastructure, in our health human resources, and equipment,” Prof. Pate stated.
“We have not come together as a nation to build a National Health System.”
According to the minister, the government has made deliberate efforts to allocate resources effectively.
He cited the approval of nearly $1 billion by the Federal Executive Council to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and delivery.
“We have begun to see the impact of those [efforts] slowly happening, but it will take time,” Pate said.
“The system will take time to get to the point where people will see a much larger transformation.”
Impact of USAID Withdrawal
The USAID funding freeze has placed a strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly on disease management programs for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
While acknowledging USAID’s contributions, Prof. Pate emphasised Nigeria’s need to become self-reliant.
“We are not complaining; we are full of appreciation to the US government for the contribution they have made,” he noted.
“The change in US government policy is the determination of the American people. We have determined that we are primarily responsible for the health of our population and will work towards exiting dependency on external assistance.”
The government has conducted a comprehensive assessment to quantify the resources required for sustaining healthcare services.
A cabinet committee, including ministers of finance and defence, has been tasked with ensuring a smooth transition.
Absorbing 28,000 Health Workers
One of the immediate priorities is the integration of 28,000 health workers previously funded by USAID.
Pate affirmed that the government is committed to retaining these professionals within the system.
“There are health workers, 28,000 of them, who were being paid through US government support,” he said.
“While it has been appreciated, those health workers are Nigerians. We have to find ways to transition them.”
The government’s long-term strategy includes increasing domestic healthcare investment, improving the local production of pharmaceuticals, and strengthening the overall resilience of the healthcare sector.
Healthcare Funding and Sustainability
Prof. Pate underscored the need for increased financial commitment to healthcare, comparing Nigeria’s spending to developed nations.
He highlighted that the United Kingdom spends over $4,000 per capita on health, while Nigeria spends approximately $120 per capita, with public financing covering just 30% of that amount.
“Healthcare is not cheap. Quality healthcare is not cheap. You have to invest in it,” he said. “We, as a country, had not invested in it, and yet we had been asking for the highest quality health.”
The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s total health expenditure is composed of 70% private sector spending and 30% public spending, with overseas development assistance playing a significant role.
However, he noted that much of the external aid bypasses government channels, making the healthcare sector vulnerable to abrupt policy changes.
Hospital Infrastructure Challenges
The minister also addressed concerns over power shortages in medical facilities, particularly at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, which has struggled with electricity supply for over 100 days.
“This has been a story for several years of accumulated debt,” he said, adding that the hospital has adopted alternative power solutions, including off-grid solar energy, to sustain operations.
In response to such challenges, the government has allocated funds in the 2025 budget to solarise hospitals across the country through the Rural Electrification Agency, aiming to reduce dependence on costly diesel power.
A Path Towards Self-Sufficiency
Despite the challenges, Prof. Pate expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to build a resilient healthcare system.
“We may be a poor country, but we are a capable country, and we are determined to own up to that responsibility,” he said.
“If others step in and support us, we appreciate it, but we are not begging for it. We have the responsibility as leaders to ensure that our population gets the care they need.”
