By Ebi Kesiena
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Nigeria has approved a budget of N4.8 billion for the treatment of HIV patients across the country.
This decision follows the recent move by former U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend financial assistance to countries for HIV treatment and other health programmes.
Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced the approval after the Executive Council meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He assured that the funds would be disbursed over four months to ensure continuous care for individuals living with HIV, despite contributions from international partners.
Regarding the U.S. decision to halt assistance for HIV and tuberculosis programmes, Prof. Pate emphasised that the Nigerian government is prioritising domestic financing to transform the health sector.
He further revealed that a committee comprising representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Budget, Defence, Environment, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has been established to develop a sustainability plan for healthcare funding.
