Richard Mills Jr, the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, says Nigeria is the giant of Africa and home to America’s largest health programming budget worldwide.

Mr Mills stated this during the inauguration of the Tuberculosis Modular Laboratory at the Defence Reference Laboratory in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria is the giant of Africa, boasting the largest population, democracy, and one of the largest economies on the continent.

“It is no wonder that our partnership is so far-reaching and important. I am proud to say that the U.S. government’s investment in the health of Nigerians matches Nigeria’s stature on the continent,” the American diplomat said.

Mr Mills stressed that Nigeria is home to the U.S. largest health programming budget worldwide.

“This investment allows for crucial funding and technical assistance across various health priorities. These include combating infectious diseases like HIV, malaria, Mpox, and tuberculosis, as well as supporting broader health initiatives such as nutrition, maternal and child healthcare, immunisation, and global health security,” the U.S. ambassador explained.

He added, “Our shared commitment and work together run very deep and wide. We are investing in and strengthening Nigeria’s overall health system, as evidenced by this project we are celebrating today.

“The partnership between Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defence is a prime example of how we are advancing global health security.”

Mr Mills also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic reminded everyone of shared vulnerabilities and the critical importance of preparedness.

“It underscored that, as President (Joe) Biden says, no one is truly safe until everyone is safe,” the U.S. diplomat pointed out. “That’s why the United States is partnering with countries worldwide, including Nigeria, to build stronger global health security capacity.”

(NAN)