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TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF US FOREIGN POLICY ON GLOBAL HEALTH ON THE NATIONS HEALTH SECTOR. BY RT. HON. KWAMOTI BITRUS LAORI The House:
Notes that health care service is pivotal to national security and development and a nation’s productivity largely depends on a healthy population. On the 28th of January, 2025. President Donald Trump of the United States of America issued an executive order that affects US Policy on Global Health Security;
Further notes that the Executive Order also halted all forms of funding of existing health programs by United States through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed at addressing maternal and child health, family planning, malaria prevention, and tuberculosis control, including funding for immunization campaigns and health education. Cumulatively, these developments signal a pivotal moment for healthcare in Nigeria and Africa;
Aware that in 2023 alone, the United States invested over $600 million in health assistance in Nigeria. This funding supports various healthcare programs, strengthening health systems and addressing both current and future health security threats in the region;
Concerned that organizations like Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) and programs such as PEPFAR which provides funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and supports antiretroviral therapy for millions of Nigerians; the USAID programs to address maternal and child health, family planning, malaria prevention, tuberculosis control, immunization campaigns and health education; the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) which seeks to bolster Nigeria's ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and emergency response planning; The President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) which focuses on reducing malaria-related deaths and illnesses by providing funding for insecticide-treated nets, antimalarial medications, and community awareness programs; Nutrition Programs to combat malnutrition among children and pregnant women, improving dietary practices and accessing nutrient-rich foods and the COVID-19 Response that provides vaccine distribution, public health messaging, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to respond to COVID-19 are all likely to be adversely affected by lack of funding;
Further Concerned that an estimated 1.9Million Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS depends on free Antiretroviral therapy provided by the United States and other initiatives targeted at Tuberculosis Control, Malaria treatment, maternal and Child health care, family planning, nutrition aimed at reducing disease burdens, and enhance overall health outcomes in Nigeria are under eminent threat of funding and the implication is that many Nigerians faces death;
Worried that these US funded programs collectively play a vital role in addressing Nigeria’s public health challenges, and the implications of U.S. policies on these initiatives will be crucial for future health outcomes in the coming days and months if nothing is done;
Hence Resolved that:
Mandate the Committee on Health Services and Health Institutions to consider a review of the 2025 Appropriation Bill with the view to provide adequate funding to close the gap created by the new US Global Health Policy in funding of essential programs in the Nigeria’s sector;
Mandate the Committee on Finance and Foreign Affairs to seek alternative source of funds and collaborations through regional and international partnerships such as the World Health Organization, European Union, Private Foundations and donor agencies towards sustaining the funding of life saving initiatives threatened by the new US Policy in the Nigeria’s health sector.
Mandate the Ministry of Health, communication and National Orientation to increase public awareness on the threats faced by the health sector and the need for frugality, prudence and efficient utilization of resources by all ministries, departments and agencies affected.
Mandate Committee on Appropriation to upwardly review the 2025 budget for the health sector.