The United States has committed $200 million to Christian faith-based healthcare facilities in Nigeria as part of a newly signed five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation agreement with the Nigerian government.
Announced by the US Mission in Nigeria on Sunday via its official X account, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) forms part of the America First Global Health Strategy. The agreement is aimed at expanding healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities.
“The MOU includes approximately $200 million in dedicated support to more than 900 Christian faith-based healthcare facilities, enhancing services for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal and child health,” the statement said.
Christian health facilities account for roughly 10% of all healthcare providers in Nigeria but serve over 30% of the country’s 230 million population, often operating in hard-to-reach areas. The US Mission emphasized that the support comes at a critical time as Nigeria faces high maternal and child mortality rates and bears 30% of the global malaria burden.
Beyond the faith-based component, the broader agreement involves substantial joint investment in Nigeria’s health sector. The United States plans to provide $2.1 billion in support, while Nigeria will invest $3 billion in domestic health spending over five years the largest co-investment under the Strategy to date.
The US Mission noted that the MOU will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and foster deeper bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
In recent months, the US has increasingly highlighted concerns over the safety and treatment of Christians in Nigeria amid allegations of targeted attacks and persecution.
