The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its health system by leveraging domestic resources.
He noted that Nigeria had anticipated a decline in global financial aid even before the U.S. government publicly announced funding cuts for agencies supporting developing countries.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Pate expressed deep gratitude to the U.S. government for its long-standing support, emphasizing that Nigeria highly values the assistance received. He acknowledged that this support has played a crucial role in advancing the country’s healthcare sector.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, the minister reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to prioritizing health. This focus, he said, has led to notable advancements, demonstrating the administration’s determination to improve the well-being of its citizens.
Sustained Efforts in Healthcare Development, Prof. Pate highlighted the significant impact of U.S. support over the past two decades, particularly in combating diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
“For the past 20 years or so, thanks to the generosity of the United States government and its people, many countries around the world have benefited from lifesaving interventions that have saved millions of lives,” he stated.
Regarding Nigeria’s approach, he emphasized the importance of self-reliance in healthcare.
“It is unwise for any country to think it can rely entirely on another nation for the health and well-being of its population. The direction taken by the U.S. government is understandable, given its current priorities, and we respect that. Here in Nigeria, we are focused on rebuilding our health system, strengthening domestic resources, and improving services for our citizens. We also aim to collaborate with other African nations and global partners to enhance biosecurity and health security while fostering private-sector investments.”
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In Expanding Investment and Regional Cooperation, the minister further revealed that Nigeria has approved the ratification of the African Medicines Agency Treaty, positioning the country as part of a broader African market for locally produced pharmaceuticals.
“There are also investment opportunities in Nigeria’s health sector that Americans are welcome to explore,” he said. “We have innovations, tools, systems, and technologies that we can trade. As U.S. policies evolve, Nigeria remains open to genuine partnerships with the United States and other nations that share a commitment to advancing global health while respecting each country’s interests.”
By focusing on domestic resource mobilization and strategic international collaboration, Nigeria aims to build a resilient and sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of its people.
