The US and Nigeria ink a 5-year MOU committing $2.1B to strengthen health systems, focusing on HIV, TB, malaria, and Christian faith-based clinics. Nigeria pledges $3B domestically amid reforms protecting Christians
US Pumps $2.1B into Nigeria’s Christian Faith-Based Healthcare in Landmark Deal
In a major boost for Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, the United States has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to inject nearly $2.1 billion into essential health services. The deal, announced on December 20, 2025, emphasizes expanding access to preventative and curative care for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, polio, and maternal and child health—while prioritizing Christian faith-based healthcare providers.
The agreement aligns with the Trump administration’s America First Global Health Strategy, launched in September 2025, which promotes self-reliance, data security, and targeted aid to combat major diseases. This MOU marks the largest co-investment by any country under the strategy to date.
Nigeria has committed to ramping up its domestic health spending by nearly $3 billion over the five-year period, signaling a shift toward greater self-sufficiency.
The deal was negotiated amid Nigeria’s ongoing reforms to protect Christian populations from violence, with dedicated funding earmarked for Christian healthcare facilities. These investments will support the country’s network of approximately 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals, which serve millions—often over 30% of the population—and complement public sector efforts.
“The Memorandum of Understanding is the largest co-investment any country has made to date under the America First Global Health Strategy,” said Thomas Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the State Department.
“The Trump Administration expects Nigeria to continue to make progress ensuring that it combats extremist religious violence against vulnerable Christian populations,” Pigott added.
The U.S. retains flexibility in the agreement, with the President and Secretary of State holding the right to pause or terminate programs that do not align with national interests.
Despite Nigeria’s U.S. designation as a Country of Particular Concern and its inclusion in recent travel restrictions related to terrorism and visa issues, the MOU advances bilateral cooperation to build a more resilient health infrastructure.
This landmark partnership underscores a strategic blend of health aid and foreign policy priorities, aiming to deliver lasting impact on disease prevention and community health in Nigeria. Read More
