The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday addressed the impact of former US President Donald Trump’s foreign policies on Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in tackling HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The discussion, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, sought strategies to mitigate disruptions in foreign aid and ensure that Nigerians continue receiving critical health services.

A multi-ministerial committee—comprising representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Health, Defense, and Environment, as well as the Governors’ Forum—was established to develop a transition and sustainability plan for Nigeria’s health programmes.

“This administration is committed to ensuring that those receiving treatment do not experience interruptions,” Health Minister Muhammad Pate assured journalists after the meeting.

While acknowledging the US government’s contributions, Mr. Pate emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its healthcare system using domestic resources.

Nigeria’s Intervention

To counter the potential funding shortfall, the FEC approved an N4.8 billion emergency fund for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs under the Presidential Treatment Programme.

Mr. Pate stressed that this decision highlights Nigeria’s commitment to reducing dependency on foreign aid for essential health interventions.

“This is an important signal that the federal government is committed to ensuring that life-saving treatments remain accessible, despite the changing dynamics in external support,” he said.

For years, Nigeria has benefited from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which funds HIV treatment for millions globally. However, Trump’s executive order on foreign aid recently led to the suspension of PEPFAR’s funding, creating uncertainty for HIV treatment programmes across Nigeria and other low-income countries.

Although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later issued a humanitarian waiver to allow PEPFAR to resume providing HIV medication, the Nigerian government is taking proactive steps to safeguard treatment continuity.

In response, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has pledged to intensify domestic resource mobilization strategies to ensure sustainability in Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.

Other Interventions

Beyond HIV treatment, the FEC has also approved significant investments in Nigeria’s healthcare sector through the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme.

Backed by the World Bank, the $1 billion initiative aims to improve governance and enhance primary healthcare services across Nigeria.

The programme will focus on:

• Strengthening financial and human resource management in health and education at the sub-national level.
• Expanding primary healthcare services, including the strategic purchasing of emergency maternal and child health services.

With these measures, the Nigerian government hopes to cushion the effects of foreign aid disruptions while strengthening domestic funding for long-term sustainability in the health sector.