U.S. Ambassador hails Nigeria as Africa’s giant, key health partner

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr, stated on Tuesday that Nigeria is indeed the giant of the African continent and home to America’s largest health programming budget worldwide.

Mills Jr made this remark during the inauguration of the Tuberculosis Modular Laboratory at the Defence Reference Laboratory, in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria is the giant of Africa, boasting the largest population, largest democracy, and one of the largest economies on the continent.

“It is no wonder that our partnership is so far-reaching and important. I am proud to say that the U.S. government’s investment in the health of Nigerians matches Nigeria’s stature on the continent.”

Mills Jr noted that Nigeria is home to the United States’ largest health programming budget worldwide, made possible by the generosity of the American people.

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“This investment allows for crucial funding and technical assistance across various health priorities.

“These include combating infectious diseases like HIV, malaria, Mpox, and tuberculosis, as well as supporting broader health initiatives such as nutrition, maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, and global health security.

“Our shared commitment and work together run very deep and wide. We are investing in and strengthening Nigeria’s overall health system, as evidenced by this project we are celebrating today.

“The partnership between Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defence is a prime example of how we are advancing global health security,” he said.

The U.S. Ambassador also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic reminded everyone of shared vulnerabilities and the critical importance of preparedness.

“It underscored that, as President Biden says, no one is truly safe until everyone is safe.

“That’s why the United States is partnering with countries worldwide, including Nigeria, to build stronger global health security capacity,” Mills Jr added.