The Minister of Health, Mohammed Pate, on Thursday urged increased funding for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes in Nigeria.

Mr Pate made the appeal while addressing the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) in Abuja.

He stressed that more funding was needed to fill the gap left by America’s withdrawal of financial support.

“For over 20 years, external partners have funded ATM management. We appreciate the support of the U.S. government for many years.

“Our focus now is to repackage ourselves so that no one is left behind in ATM programmes,” he said.

The minister praised the House Committee on ATM for their commitment but noted that Nigeria was not investing enough in healthcare.

He said the overall health expenditure remains low, with external contributions accounting for less than 10 per cent.

Mr Pate commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting local malaria kit production.

He expressed delight that Nigeria had begun manufacturing malaria kits to combat the disease.

Earlier, the House Committee on ATM chairman, Godwin Ogah, highlighted the need for Nigeria to provide free malaria treatment.

He envisioned a malaria-free nation by 2030 but emphasised that more effort was required.

The committee chairman applauded the minister’s achievements and called for increased internal funding.

(NAN)