Nigeria to absorb 28,000 health workers previously funded by USAID – Minister

By Kunle Sanni

The federal government has announced plans to take over the employment of 28,000 health workers who were previously funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Speaking on Channels Television on Friday, Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, stated that the government was preparing to assume full responsibility for the country’s healthcare workforce amid shifting US policies on foreign aid.

The move follows an executive order by former US President Donald Trump, which paused funding for HIV treatment in developing countries. The decision impacted USAID’s operations and led to the suspension of disbursements from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that provides treatment for over 20 million people globally, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age in Nigeria.

While a waiver has since been granted to ensure continued access to treatment for people living with HIV, Nigeria’s government has taken steps to mitigate the impact of the funding cuts. The federal executive council recently approved ₦4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support those affected.

Pate acknowledged that Nigeria had not historically invested heavily in its healthcare system but said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to changing that.

He noted that more than 70% of medications used in Nigeria are imported, as well as over 99% of medical devices. He also highlighted that only 30% of the country’s health expenditure comes from the government, with the remaining 70% covered by private individuals.

The minister stated that the federal government’s latest efforts reflect a broader push to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare sector and reduce reliance on foreign aid.