The House of Representatives is set to increase the budgetary allocation to the health sector following United States’ decision to pull back foreign aid and its potential impact on Nigeria’s public health.
The United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump recently announced cessation of funding for essential health programs through USAID, including maternal and child aid, family planning, malaria prevention, and tuberculosis control.
In a bid to ensure continued access to essential services for citizens, the House on Thursday mandated its Committee on Health Services to review the 2025 appropriation bill ensuring adequate funding to mitigate gaps created by U.S. policy changes.
Government had allocated 2.48 trillion for health, representing 4.99% of the total N49.7 trillion proposed budget.
The House expressed concerns that vital public health programmes will be impacted, threatening the health of millions, including 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV-AIDS who rely on free antiretroviral therapy.
Read also: Full list: Top 10 countries that received the most from USAID
The Lower Chamber also raised concerns that the adverse impact of U.S. funding reductions could lead to increased mortality and exacerbate public health challenges in Nigeria.
The Lower Chamber further mandated the Committee on Finance and Foreign Affairs to explore alternative funding sources through partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organisation and European Union and private foundations to sustain critical health initiatives.
The House also mandated the ministry of health to enhance public awareness regarding the threats to the health sector and promote efficient resource utilization across all affected ministries and agencies.
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