The U.S. government says it has signed a $5.1 billion five-year bilateral healthcare memorandum of understanding with Nigeria.

A statement on Sunday by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria explained that the agreement aimed to advance the ‘America First Global Health Strategy’. A key component of the MOU is the commitment of $200 million to fund 900 Christian healthcare centres across the country.

According to the statement, Christian health facilities in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities, play a critical role in healthcare delivery services.

It further explained that beyond the faith-based component, the broader MOU outlines substantial joint investment in Nigeria’s health sector.

“The United States signed a five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation memorandum of understanding with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to advance the America First Global Health Strategy.

“The MOU includes approximately $200 million in dedicated support to more than 900 Christian faith-based healthcare facilities, expanding access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services.

“Christian faith-based clinics represent about 10 per cent of providers in Nigeria but serve more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s 230 million people, often in underserved areas,” it said.

The statement further said the agreement would deliver lasting benefits for both countries, as the support comes at a time when Nigeria is facing public health challenges, especially among women and children.

“With Nigeria facing one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and accounting for 30 per cent of the global malaria burden, this U.S. assistance protects Nigerian and American lives while strengthening our bilateral partnership.

“Under the MOU, the United States intends to provide 2.1 billion dollars in support, with Nigeria investing three billion dollars in new domestic health spending over five years —the largest co-investment by any country to date under the Strategy. This five-year MOU will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” it said.

It, however, said the agreement was subject to broader foreign policy considerations.

“With all foreign assistance, the president and secretary of state retain the right to pause or terminate any programmes that do not align with the national interest,” it said.

The cooperation agreement is the largest co-investment that any country has made to date under the ‘America First Global Health Strategy’.

It also comes amid the recent termination of the United States Agency for International Development’s global aid programme by the Trump administration.

(NAN)