In response to recent cuts in US foreign aid for health, the Federal Government of Nigeria has increased its 2025 healthcare allocation by an additional $200 million, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed. This move, which underscores a broader global trend of aid-dependent countries pivoting towards self-reliance, comes amid warnings of severe disruptions to health services worldwide.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, revealed this development in a recent address published on the organisation’s website. He noted that Nigeria is among several African countries that have proactively revised their national budgets to cushion the impact of sudden aid suspensions, particularly those affecting essential medical services.
This shift follows the decision by former US President Donald Trump earlier this year to halt foreign aid for 90 days. Although a waiver was subsequently granted to continue the supply of lifesaving medicines under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), many countries, including Nigeria, had already begun to feel the ripple effects of funding gaps in other critical health sectors.
“South Africa, for instance, has added $1.5 billion to its health budget, while Kenya has requested an additional $250 million from its National Treasury,” Ghebreyesus disclosed. “Nigeria, in particular, has earmarked $200 million more for health in 2025 to bolster systems and avert the collapse of ongoing healthcare initiatives.”
WHO’s recent assessment, based on reports from over 100 country offices, paints a concerning picture of the global health landscape. Around 70% of surveyed countries reported disruptions in health services, while 25% noted outright closures of healthcare facilities due to aid reductions.
Key challenges identified include:
Increased out-of-pocket expenses for patients
Job losses among healthcare and support workers
Supply chain disruptions for medicines and medical equipment
A decline in access to primary healthcare services
“The funding cuts are triggering a health crisis in many low and middle-income countries, especially in vulnerable settings where public health systems are already fragile,” Ghebreyesus warned.
In light of these disruptions, Nigeria’s decision to ramp up its health investment marks a strategic move towards long-term sustainability. The new allocation is expected to support key areas such as maternal and child health, infectious disease control, rural healthcare delivery, and health infrastructure revitalisation.
Experts believe this shift could significantly strengthen the country’s resilience against future donor volatility.
Dr. Chika Onwuachi, a public health analyst based in Abuja, said, “This is the right step. Over-dependence on foreign aid has left our systems vulnerable. By taking responsibility and increasing domestic health funding, Nigeria is laying a stronger foundation for health equity and universal healthcare.”
Beyond budget increases, WHO is working closely with countries to provide technical assistance and fundraising support to bridge financing gaps. The organisation recommends several revenue-generating strategies, including:
Imposing or raising taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages
Pooling procurement of medicines and medical services
Introducing social and community-based health insurance schemes
Implementing health technology assessments to guide cost-effective interventions
“These tools are not one-size-fits-all,” Ghebreyesus cautioned. “Countries with weak tax structures or large informal sectors may need concessional loans from development banks and tailored financial strategies.”
He also urged governments to protect the most vulnerable by preventing catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending and avoiding abrupt service cuts.
Nigeria’s bold budgetary shift may set the tone for other countries navigating the post-aid era. As geopolitical uncertainties and donor fatigue continue to reshape the global aid landscape, domestic resource mobilisation is becoming the bedrock of sustainable healthcare.
The WHO has pledged continued support to countries like Nigeria through data-driven policy guidance, innovative financing mechanisms, and strategic partnerships aimed at ensuring that essential health services remain accessible to all.
With these efforts, Nigeria is not only confronting the immediate consequences of foreign aid cuts but also charting a course towards a more resilient and autonomous health system.