A double blow to international health cooperation is raising concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s health data infrastructure.
The recent outage of the USAID website, coupled with a pause in the crucial Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) program, has exposed the extent to which Nigeria relies on these US-backed initiatives for vital health information and analysis.
The disruptions have sparked fears about the potential impact on data collection, monitoring, and ultimately, the ability to effectively address health challenges within the country.
Ikpeme Neto, a health tech entrepreneur expressed concern over the disappearance of vital, freely accessible repositories of Nigerian health data and analysis from the USAID website.
He suggested that Nigeria needs to invest more resources in such critical infrastructure, rather than leaving it vulnerable to the influence of external powers.
“Demographic and health survey program that’s done every five years to assess key variables on health and development. It forms the basis for a lot of our policies. It’s done in conjunction with the National Population Commission and the Ministry of Health but much the know-how and the repository lie with USAID as far as I’m aware. I was in the process of writing a paper using the data, need to go download all that I can now actually before it’s all taken down,” he said.
What this means
Ndubuisi Ekekwe, chairman of Tekedia Capital, in an X post argued that the current US administration’s approach to foreign aid, including the shutdown of USAID.gov, represents a radical shift in policy.
This action, he suggests, effectively communicates a withdrawal of US influence and funding via soft power.
However, Ekekwe contends that this could ultimately benefit Africa. Aid agencies, he argues, often distort markets and hinder the development of sustainable local solutions.
By providing free products, these agencies can undermine local businesses, forcing them to close. When the aid funding eventually dries up, the community is left worse off, he stated.
Therefore, Ekekwe believes that the reduction in aid may present an opportunity for Africa.
He urged African governments to establish databases to identify vulnerable citizens and support them directly, while simultaneously fostering the growth of local businesses to fill market gaps.
He emphasised the importance of returning to traditional African models of community support, citing examples from their own experience.
“In my village of Ovim, there is a framework which has enabled the rise of the free market and support of the vulnerable so that people do not go to bed on empty stomachs. In Agbongele Ugwunta, it is an ordinance till today that any crop grown there belongs to the community. The idea is that you can have a big farm which you run and make money, but there is a chance that not everyone can afford the produce.
“To help those who may be unable to pay, you willingly go to Agbongele and plant things and nurture things knowing that your fellow citizens will use those things. It is an abomination to harvest and sell anything in Agbongele as it is for in-need consumption. While in the village, I did plant and was proud to see it grow, knowing that one day someone will need it to avoid hunger!
“So, our governments can have a structure to ensure the free market while covering the needs of the vulnerable citizens. Trump is giving Africa a huge opportunity and this is a time for a reset,” he said.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides significant aid to Nigeria, focusing on various sectors to improve the lives of Nigerians.
It supports testing, treatment, and prevention programs through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). They provide antiretroviral therapy, prevention education, and care for those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Through the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), USAID distributes mosquito nets, provides testing and treatment, and supports programs to reduce malaria prevalence.
The agency also works to improve maternal and child health by training healthcare workers, increasing access to quality medicines, and improving healthcare leadership, focusing on primary healthcare.
USAID also supports programs related to nutrition, water resource management, and epidemic preparedness.
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