The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, expressed gratitude to the United States Government and partners for their $900 million investment in Nigeria’s malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis programs. This acknowledgment was made during a high-level meeting in Abuja attended by prominent figures, including Dr. John Nkengasong, U.S Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy.
Prof. Pate praised the longstanding support of the U.S. government and emphasized its significance in improving the health and well-being of Nigerians. He also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s vision for enhancing the healthcare sector.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, accountability, and good data to govern healthcare effectively. Additionally, Pate stressed the importance of updating standards for frontline health workers to strengthen the platform for delivering health services.
Dr. David Walton, the U.S Global Malaria Coordinator for the U.S President’s Malaria Initiative, commended Nigeria’s healthcare progress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Walton reaffirmed the commitment to aligning resources and capabilities with the Nigerian government to save lives and improve health and well-being.
He emphasized that this meeting marked the beginning of an ongoing dialogue and called for collective action to make a real difference in people’s lives and health.