Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, has assured Nigerians that the country can sustain its healthcare system despite the departure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
US President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down USAID has left many African nations uncertain, but Pate emphasized that Nigeria is capable of managing its healthcare needs independently.
“So for us, we are not complaining. We are full of appreciation to the US government for the contribution they have made,” Pate said during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme.
He acknowledged that the US had played a crucial role in providing antiretroviral therapy, tuberculosis, malaria treatment, and maternal and child healthcare for over 1.3 million Nigerians. However, he insisted that the responsibility for citizens’ healthcare ultimately rests with the Nigerian government.
“The change in US government policy is the determination of the American people. We can’t complain. What we have determined is that we are primarily responsible for the health of our population,” he stated.
Pate assured that Nigeria is actively working towards self-reliance in healthcare funding, moving away from dependence on foreign aid.
“We may be a poor country, but we are a capable country, and we are determined to own up to that responsibility. If others step in and support us, we appreciate it, but we are not begging for it, and we also will live within what we have,” he added.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians receive proper healthcare, stating, “The federal government is going to do its part.”
According to the minister, Nigeria had already been implementing policies to enhance national healthcare independence even before the recent US government decision.
“At the end of the day, our approach long before the change in US policy has been towards increasing national ownership. Increasing domestic resources,” Pate explained.
He highlighted efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, enhance surveillance systems, and improve domestic production of medical supplies, ensuring the country remains resilient against infectious diseases.
“We never really let’s say absolved ourselves of the responsibility for taking care of Nigerians who require government support,” Pate concluded.
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