The United States has signed a five-year bilateral health agreement with Nigeria, committing nearly $2.1 billion to strengthen the country’s health system, with a strong emphasis on Christian faith-based healthcare providers. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on December 20, targets prevention and treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
Announcing the deal, US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott said Nigeria’s financial pledge represents the largest co-investment under the America First Global Health Strategy. “Today, the United States Department of State signed a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, with a strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based health care providers,” the statement said.
Under the agreement, Nigeria will increase domestic health spending by nearly $3 billion during the MoU period. The State Department said dedicated funding would support Christian healthcare facilities delivering integrated services, noting that Nigeria’s 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals serve over 30 per cent of the population. It added that US assistance remains subject to review by President Trump and the Secretary of State.