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 significant focus on expanding Christian faith-based healthcare services.
According to the US Department of State, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on December 20, will support prevention and treatment programmes for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
The agreement also requires Nigeria to increase its domestic health spending by nearly $3 billion over the duration of the MoU.
The deal was announced in a statement on Saturday by Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the US Department of State, who described Nigeria’s financial commitment as the largest co-investment made by any country 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 this MoU, the Department of State, working with Congress, intends to commit nearly $2.1bn to expand essential preventive and curative services for HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio.
“Additionally, Nigeria will increase its domestic health expenditures by nearly $3bn during the term of the MoU — the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy.”
The State Department noted that the agreement was negotiated in connection with reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at improving the protection of Christian communities from violence.
As part of the MoU, dedicated funding will be allocated to Christian healthcare facilities, particularly those providing integrated services for infectious diseases as well as maternal and child health.
“The MoU includes significant dedicated funding to support Christian health care facilities, with a focus on expanding access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services,” the statement added.
Nigeria currently has about 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals, which US officials say serve more than 30 per cent of the population. The State Department said investment in these facilities is intended to complement government-run health services and strengthen the country’s overall healthcare infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals currently serve more than 30 per cent of Nigerians, and investments in these facilities are uniquely positioned to complement efforts in public-run facilities,” the statement said.
The department also emphasised that US health assistance remains subject to review.
“As with all foreign assistance, the President and the Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate any programmes that do not align with the national interest,” it added.
The agreement comes amid increased US scrutiny of Nigeria, including recent travel restrictions imposed by the Donald Trump administration, which cited national security concerns and visa overstay rates.
The America First Global Health Strategy, released in September 2025, prioritises bilateral agreements, increased partner-country co-investment, and expanded efforts to combat major infectious diseases while strengthening national health systems.
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