Nigeria’s Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC) has urged the U.S. government to continue its leading role in tackling healthcare challenges in Africa.

HSRC coordinator Chika Offor, on Thursday in Abuja, made the call as the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, embarked on a diplomatic visit to Africa.

She said the continued U.S. support was for two successful initiatives – the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI).

Ms Offor said PEPFAR has been one of the most impactful foreign policy initiatives by the United States in Africa, playing a crucial role in combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

“With over US$7 billion invested, PEPFAR has ensured that almost two million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS have comprehensive access to quality prevention, care, and treatment services.

“Similarly, the U.S. leadership in GAVI has significantly improved health outcomes in several African countries. Through direct financial contributions, governance, and technical assistance, GAVI has been at the forefront of efforts to improve access to new and under-used vaccines.

“Their work has reached over 360 million African children and prevented more than 8 million deaths,” she explained.

She emphasised the transformative power of initiatives like PEPFAR and GAVI in improving healthcare across Africa.

She highlighted the progress made in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, thanking the U.S. for its support.

However, she also stressed the need for continued funding for PEPFAR and increased backing for GAVI, saying sustained financial support from the U.S. would strengthen the progress made so far and play a crucial role in further advancing healthcare outcomes throughout the continent.

She urged the U.S. government to collaborate with African governments and other stakeholders to sustain these initiatives that directly impact millions of African lives.

She said the coalition believed that by continuing to support PEPFAR and increasing support for GAVI, the U.S. could strengthen health systems and make significant strides in improving healthcare in Africa.

(NAN)