February 17, 2025
In response to the recent suspension of funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Nigerian government has announced plans to integrate 28,000 health workers previously supported by the agency into its payroll. This move aims to sustain critical healthcare services across the nation.
The funding halt stems from an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, pausing financial assistance for health and education projects in developing countries, including Nigeria. This decision has raised concerns about the continuity of programs targeting HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other health initiatives.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, addressed the situation during an interview on Channels Television. He emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining its healthcare momentum and reducing dependence on foreign aid.
“There are health workers, 28,000 of them, who were being paid through U.S. government support. While it has been appreciated, those health workers are Nigerians. We have to find ways to transition them,” Prof. Pate stated.
To facilitate this transition, the Nigerian Senate has allocated an additional N300 billion to the health sector in the 2025 budget. This funding is intended to cover the salaries of the affected health workers and address other pressing needs within the sector.
Prof. Pate also highlighted the current structure of Nigeria’s health expenditure, noting that approximately 70% is sourced from private funds, including out-of-pocket payments by citizens, while only 30% is publicly financed. This underscores the necessity for increased public investment to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services.
The government’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the potential negative impacts of the USAID funding freeze, ensuring that essential health services remain uninterrupted and that the livelihoods of thousands of health workers are secured.
