Nigeria’s Health Sector at Risk as U.S. Cuts Funding – Laori Warns

By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. La'ori, a member of the House of Representatives representing Demsa/Naman...

By Muh'd Shafi'u Saleh

Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. La'ori, a member of the House of Representatives representing Demsa/Naman/Lamurde Federal Constituency, has warned that recent changes in U.S. global health assistance policies could significantly impact Nigeria's health sector if urgent action is not taken.

Hon. La'ori made this statement while presenting a motion of urgent public importance on the need to review the 2025 Appropriation Bill for Nigeria's health sector in Parliament on Thursday.

He emphasized that healthcare services are pivotal to national security and development, as a nation’s productivity largely depends on a healthy population.

He further referenced an executive order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump on January 28, 2025, which affects U.S. policy on global health security. The executive order halts all forms of funding for existing health programs through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These programs include maternal and child healthcare, family planning, malaria prevention, tuberculosis control, immunization campaigns, and health education.

“This development marks a pivotal moment for healthcare in Nigeria and across Africa,” La’ori stated.

He highlighted that in 2023 alone, the United States invested over $600 million in health assistance in Nigeria, supporting various healthcare programs aimed at strengthening the health system and addressing both current and future health security threats.

He also pointed out that several organizations and programs will be affected by this funding cut, including:

• Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN)
• The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and antiretroviral therapy for millions of Nigerians
• USAID programs addressing maternal and child health, family planning, malaria prevention, tuberculosis control, immunization campaigns, and health education
• The Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), which strengthens Nigeria’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and emergencies
• The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which focuses on reducing malaria-related deaths and illnesses through funding for insecticide-treated nets, antimalarial medications, and community awareness programs
• Nutrition programs, which combat malnutrition among children and pregnant women
• COVID-19 response efforts, including vaccine distribution, public health messaging, and healthcare infrastructure improvements

Hon. La’ori expressed concern that an estimated 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS depend on free antiretroviral therapy provided by U.S. initiatives, while other programs targeting tuberculosis control, malaria treatment, maternal and child healthcare, and nutrition are now at imminent risk due to the funding cuts.

“The implication is that millions of Nigerians face serious health challenges, and in many cases, death,” he warned.

He further stressed that U.S.-funded programs play a crucial role in addressing Nigeria’s public health challenges, and their discontinuation will have severe consequences in the coming months if proactive measures are not taken.

Resolutions:

1. Mandate the Committee on Health Services and Health Institutions to review the 2025 Appropriation Bill and ensure adequate funding is allocated to mitigate the impact of the new U.S. policy on Nigeria’s health sector.

2. Mandate the Committee on Finance and Foreign Affairs to explore alternative funding sources through regional and international partnerships, including the World Health Organization (WHO), European Union (EU), private foundations, and donor agencies.

3. Mandate the Ministry of Health, Communication, and National Orientation to increase public awareness of the threats facing the health sector and promote prudent and efficient resource utilization by all ministries, departments, and agencies involved.

4. Mandate the Committee on Appropriation to increase the 2025 health sector budget to ensure sustainability in essential healthcare services.