US, Nigeria seal landmark $5.1b health pact

Abdullateef Fowewe

The United States and Nigeria have signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to fortify Nigeria’s healthcare system amid high maternal mortality and malaria burdens.

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria announced the deal in a statement on X Sunday, highlighting it as a cornerstone of the America First Global Health Strategy.

Under the agreement, the U.S. commits $2.1 billion, matched by Nigeria’s unprecedented $3.0 billion in new domestic health spending “the largest co-investment by any country to date under the Strategy.”

“This five-year MOU will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” the statement emphasised.

A key focus includes roughly $200 million targeted at over 900 Christian faith-based healthcare facilities.

These clinics, which make up about 10% of providers in Nigeria, deliver services to more than 30% of the country’s 230 million people, particularly in underserved regions.

The pact expands access to integrated services for HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal/child health. Nigeria bears one of the world’s highest maternal and child mortality rates and shoulders 30% of the global malaria burden, making the initiative vital for protecting both Nigerian and American lives through enhanced bilateral ties.

U.S. officials framed the MOU as a win-win: “With Nigeria facing one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and accounting for 30% of the global malaria burden, this U.S. assistance protects Nigerian and American lives while strengthening our bilateral partnership.”