The House of Representatives on Thursday called for an upward review of the 2025 Appropriation bill for the health sector, to provide adequate funding to close the gap created by the new US Global Health Policy in funding essential programs.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Bitrus Laori, who solicited for the House intervention.
In his lead debate, Hon. Laori observed health care service is pivotal to national security and development and a nation’s productivity largely depends on a healthy population.
He said: “On the 28th of January, 2025. President Donald Trump of the United States of America issued an Executive Order that affects the US Policy on Global Health Security.
“The Executive Order also halted all forms of funding of existing health programs by the United States through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed at addressing maternal and child health, family planning, malaria prevention, and tuberculosis control, including funding for immunization campaigns and health education.
“Cumulatively, these developments signal a pivotal moment for healthcare in Nigeria and Africa.
“In 2023 alone, the United States invested over $600 million in health assistance in Nigeria. This funding supports various healthcare programs, strengthening health systems and addressing both current and future health security threats in the region.
“Organizations like Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) and programs such as PEPFAR which provides funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and supports antiretroviral therapy for millions of Nigerians; the USAID programs to address maternal and child health, family planning, malaria prevention, tuberculosis control, immunization campaigns and health education; the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) which seeks to bolster Nigeria’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and emergency response planning.
“The Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI) focuses on reducing malaria-related deaths and illnesses by providing funding for insecticide-treated nets, antimalarial medications, and community awareness programs; Nutrition Programs to combat malnutrition among children and pregnant women, improving dietary practices and accessing nutrient-rich foods and the COVID-19 Response that provides vaccine distribution, public health messaging, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to respond to COVID-19 are all likely to be adversely affected by lack of funding.
“An estimated 1.9 million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS depend on free Antiretroviral therapy provided by the United States and other initiatives targeted at Tuberculosis Control, Malaria treatment, maternal and Child healthcare, family planning, nutrition aimed at reducing disease burdens, and enhancing overall health outcomes in Nigeria are under imminent threat of funding and the implication is that many Nigerians faces death.
“These US-funded programs collectively play a vital role in addressing Nigeria’s public health challenges, and the implications of U.S. policies on these initiatives will be crucial for future health outcomes in the coming days and months if nothing is done.”
Hence, the House mandated the joint Committees on Finance and Foreign Affairs to seek alternative sources of funds and collaborations through regional and international partnerships such as the World Health Organization, European Union, Private Foundations, and donor agencies towards sustaining the funding of life-saving initiatives threatened by the new US Policy in Nigeria’s health sector.
To this end, the House mandated Federal Ministries of Health, Communication, and National Orientation to increase public awareness of the threats faced by the health sector and the need for frugality, prudence and efficient utilization of resources by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) affected.
