The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Nigerian government to take bold steps to reduce its dependence on external sources for healthcare funding. This call to action comes amid a shift in global aid policies, particularly the recent decision by the U.S. government to suspend nearly all foreign aid programs. The move, which has disrupted healthcare financing in developing nations, indicates that Nigeria must prioritise self-sufficiency in health sector funding. Dr. Rowan Khan, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Nigeria, emphasised the urgency of this issue during the Primary Health Care (PHC) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Learning and Dissemination Event held in Abuja.
She stressed that while external support has played a crucial role in the nation’s healthcare system, the time has come for the country to take full responsibility for its health infrastructure. Given the financial and human resource constraints affecting the sector, Khan emphasised the importance of optimising available resources. She called for better coordination among stakeholders to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and that the primary medical care system remains functional despite challenges posed by reduced foreign aid.
Strengthening local vaccine production for long-term sustainability.
To sustain the progress made in the last three years through the PHC initiative, she advised state governments to conduct thorough budget analyses. These assessments should identify service gaps, particularly in child healthcare, immunisation, and the revitalisation of PHC centers in all communities. The goal, she stressed, is to make strategic adjustments that ensure sustainable healthcare services for all citizens, rather than relying on unpredictable foreign donations. Meanwhile, the region’s dependence on imported Vaccines and medicines is another pressing concern.
Dr. Manasseh Jatau, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, underscored the need for the country to invest in local vaccine production, given the availability of medicinal plants that could serve as raw materials for pharmaceutical development. He pointed out that relying on imports increases costs and leaves the country vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Jatau cautioned that donor uncertainty and withdrawal are inevitable, and failing to prepare for such scenarios would expose the country to severe medical crises. He called on state governors and medical experts to lead initiatives to increase the domestic production of essential vaccines and treatments.
Expanding commitments to ensure continued access to medical services.
Efforts to maintain access to essential medical services have been widely acknowledged despite the reduction in foreign aid. Jessica Crawford, Country Manager for GAVI, commended state governments for their commitment to sustaining the PHC program. She emphasised that consistent Investment and political will are necessary to build a resilient medical system that can serve all citizens effectively. Similarly, Dr. Mya Ngon from the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the progress in strengthening primary medical care and immunisation services. However, she warned that additional measures are needed to address the persistent challenge of zero-dose immunisation—children who have never received vaccines.
For her part, Halima Muhammed, Senior Programme Manager for Immunization at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), highlighted the positive impact of the PHC MoU in fortifying medical service delivery over the past three years. She noted that improvements have been seen in disease surveillance, service accessibility, and governance. The NGF and its partners have played a crucial role in ensuring that political commitment to PHC remains steadfast through targeted interventions and advocacy. To sustain these achievements, Muhammed advocated for a Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), which integrates various resources, policies, and initiatives within the sector.
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In response to the reduction in U.S. medical aid, Nigeria has already taken significant steps to mitigate potential disruptions. One of the most critical measures has been increasing domestic funding for medical services. Lawmakers have approved additional budgetary allocations for the sector, particularly in the 2025 fiscal year, to compensate for the shortfall. This includes substantial funding earmarked for procuring vaccines and treating Epidemic diseases. Additionally, the Nigerian Federal Executive Council (FEC) has endorsed several sector reforms to improve service delivery. Policymakers have acknowledged the necessity of reducing dependence on foreign assistance and have initiated efforts to strengthen the country’s domestic medical systems.