The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N4.8 billion to sustain HIV treatment programmes nationwide, in response to the recent suspension of U.S. development assistance.
Announcing the decision on Monday, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that the funds will provide 150,000 treatment packs over the next four months.
Speaking at a post-FEC briefing, Pate emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations despite changes in international support.
“The Presidential Treatment Programme for HIV patients has been approved, allocating N4.8 billion for procuring 150,000 treatment packs over four months.
This signals the federal government’s resolve to sustain life-saving treatments, even as external funding dynamics shift.
While acknowledging the long-standing contributions of U.S. aid in fighting HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, Pate highlighted Nigeria’s growing focus on self-reliance by increasing domestic investment in critical health programmes.
Transition and Sustainability Plan
To mitigate the impact of the U.S. aid suspension, the FEC has established a high-level committee tasked with developing a transition and sustainability plan.
The committee will include representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Defense, Health, Environment, Budget and National Planning, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The council agreed on forming a committee to oversee the transition and sustainability plan, especially as the U.S. conducts its 90-day review of aid policies.
Pate
He reiterated the government’s long-term vision of building a resilient healthcare system funded by domestic resources and sustainable financing models, ensuring health security for all Nigerians.
