US, NIGERIA SIGN $2.1BN FIVE-YEAR HEALTH AGREEMENT TO BOOST FAITH-BASED HEALTHCARE SERVICES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The United States has signed a five-year bilateral health agreement with Nigeria, committing nearly $2.1 billion in funding to strengthen the country’s health system, with a major focus on expanding faith-based healthcare services.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Saturday, was announced by the US Department of State as part of the America First Global Health Strategy. The agreement targets the prevention and treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health challenges, and polio.
Under the deal, Nigeria is also expected to significantly increase its domestic health spending by nearly $3 billion over the lifespan of the agreement, marking what the State Department described as the largest co-investment made by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy.
In a statement signed by Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott, the State Department said the agreement aims to strengthen Nigeria’s health system while promoting the role of Christian faith-based healthcare providers.
“Under this MoU, the Department of State, working with Congress, intends to commit nearly $2.1 billion to expand essential preventative and curative services for HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio,” the statement read.
“Additionally, Nigeria will increase its domestic health expenditures by nearly $3 billion during the term of the MoU, the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy.”
The department disclosed that the agreement was negotiated in connection with recent reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at protecting Christian communities from violence. As part of the arrangement, dedicated funding will be directed to Christian healthcare facilities, particularly those providing integrated services for infectious diseases as well as maternal and child health.
Nigeria currently has an estimated 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals, which, according to US officials, serve more than 30 per cent of the country’s population. The investment, they said, is designed to complement public healthcare services and strengthen the nation’s overall health infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals currently serve more than 30 per cent of Nigerians, and investments in these facilities are uniquely positioned to complement efforts in public-run facilities and strengthen Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure,” the statement added.
The State Department, however, noted that US assistance remains subject to ongoing review, stressing that the President and Secretary of State reserve the right to pause or terminate programmes that do not align with US national interests.
The signing of the MoU comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria by the United States, including recent travel restrictions imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump over national security and visa overstay concerns.
The America First Global Health Strategy, unveiled in September 2025, shifts US global health policy towards bilateral agreements, increased co-investment by partner countries, and a stronger focus on combating priority diseases while reinforcing national health systems.
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