The United States has announced dedicated support for Christian faith-based healthcare facilities in Nigeria under a newly signed five-year, $5.1 billion bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the US Mission in Nigeria on Sunday, via its official X handle, the agreement was described as part of efforts to advance the America First Global Health Strategy.
“The United States signed a five-year, $5.1B bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Republic of Nigeria to advance the America First Global Health Strategy,” it said.
A key component of the MOU is targeted funding for Christian faith-based health providers across the country.
“The MOU includes approximately $200M in dedicated support to more than 900 Christian faith-based healthcare facilities, expanding access to integrated HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health services,” it said.
The US Mission highlighted the critical role played by Christian health facilities in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
“Christian faith-based clinics represent about 10% of providers in Nigeria but serve more than 30% of Nigeria’s 230 million people, often in underserved areas,” it said.
The statement noted that the support comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face major public health challenges, especially among women and children.
“With Nigeria facing one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates globally and accounting for 30% of the global malaria burden, this U.S. assistance protects Nigerian and American lives while strengthening our bilateral partnership,” it said.
Beyond the faith-based component, the broader MOU outlines substantial joint investment in Nigeria’s health sector.
“Under the MOU, the United States intends to provide $2.1 billion in support, with Nigeria investing $3.0 billion in new domestic health spending over five years – the largest co-investment by any country to date under the Strategy,” it said.
The US Mission said the overall agreement is expected to deliver lasting benefits for both countries.
“This five-year MOU will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” he said.
In recent months, the United States has increasingly spoken out on the situation of Christians in Nigeria, amid a growing dispute over claims that Christians are being subjected to genocide in the country.
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