The United States and Nigeria have signed a landmark five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A key provision of the agreement is approximately $200 million in dedicated support for more than 900 Christian faith-based healthcare facilities across the country. The U.S. Mission stated, “The MOU includes approximately $200M in dedicated support to more than 900 Christian faith-based healthcare facilities, expanding access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services.”
This targeted funding recognizes the critical role these providers play in Nigeria’s health system. Christian faith-based clinics represent about 10% of providers but serve more than 30% of Nigeria’s population, often operating in hard-to-reach and underserved areas. The support comes as Nigeria contends with some of the world’s highest maternal and child mortality rates and bears a significant portion of the global malaria burden.
The broader MOU represents a major co-investment, with the U.S. intending to provide $2.1 billion and Nigeria committing $3.0 billion in new domestic health spending over five years. The U.S. Department of State noted this partnership is designed to “strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous”. The agreement aligns with the U.S. America First Global Health Strategy, which emphasizes bilateral partnerships and shared investment.