Azeezat Abdul-Raufu
The Minister of Health, Mohammed Pate, has urged for heightened funding directed towards combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria across the nation to bolster Nigeria’s healthcare initiatives, .
Addressing the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) in Abuja, the Minister emphasised the critical need for expanded financial support to sustain and advance these crucial health programs.
“For over two decades, external partners have been pivotal in funding our ATM programmes.
“ We deeply appreciate the longstanding support from the U.S. government,” Minister Pate acknowledged, reflecting on the significant role of international contributions that have historically sustained these efforts.
Highlighting the recent withdrawal of American financial aid, Minister Pate emphasized the urgency of filling this financial gap through domestic resources.
“Our immediate focus is to fortify our internal capacity to ensure no lapse in our ATM initiatives,” he affirmed, stressing the imperative of self-sufficiency in healthcare funding.
Minister Pate also commended President Bola Tinubu for championing local production of malaria kits, marking a critical step towards enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare independence.
“The commencement of local manufacturing of malaria kits represents a pivotal stride in our fight against this debilitating disease,” he remarked, expressing optimism for expanded domestic production capabilities.
Chairman of the House Committee on ATM, Godwin Ogah, echoed Minister Pate’s sentiments, advocating intensified efforts towards achieving a malaria-free Nigeria by 2030.
“While envisioning a future free from malaria is ambitious, it necessitates a collective and sustained commitment,” Chairman Ogah emphasized, underscoring the need for increased domestic funding to actualize this ambitious goal.
“Our nation’s health expenditure remains disproportionately low, with external aid constituting less than 10 percent,” he lamented, urging stakeholders to prioritize robust internal funding to fortify Nigeria’s healthcare resilience.
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