The United States and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have signed a landmark five-year health cooperation agreement worth $2.1 billion, aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s health system and expanding faith-based healthcare services across the country.
Announced on Saturday by the U.S. Department of State, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) commits substantial funding to enhance prevention and treatment programmes for major health challenges, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nigeria is also expected to increase its domestic health expenditure by nearly $3 billion over the life of the pact a contribution described by Washington as the largest co-investment by a partner country under its current global health strategy.
The initiative forms part of the United States’ America First Global Health Strategy, which emphasizes bilateral cooperation, expanded partner investment, and strengthening of national health systems.
A key focus of the deal is support for faith-based health facilities, particularly those offering integrated services in underserved communities. According to the U.S. statement, about 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals currently serve more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s population. Funding is expected to help these facilities broaden access to essential health interventions.
U.S. officials noted that the MoU also reflects recent government reforms in Nigeria aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. The agreement was signed amid heightened U.S. scrutiny of Nigeria, including recent travel restrictions related to security and visa concerns.
While the assistance package marks a significant investment in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, the U.S. Department of State emphasized that continued funding will be subject to periodic review and alignment with U.S. foreign policy priority
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