The United States Department of State has entered into a five-year bilateral health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nigeria, aiming to enhance the country's health system. The agreement places particular emphasis on supporting Christian faith-based healthcare providers.
Under the terms of the MOU, the Department of State, in collaboration with Congress, plans to allocate almost $2.1 billion toward expanding key preventative and curative services targeting HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and polio. In parallel, Nigeria will increase its domestic spending on health by nearly $3 billion over the duration of the agreement. This represents the largest co-investment made by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy.
The memorandum was negotiated alongside reforms implemented by the Nigerian government to better protect Christian communities from violence. It includes substantial funding specifically designated for Christian healthcare facilities to broaden access to integrated services related to HIV, TB, malaria, and maternal and child health. Currently, about 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals serve more than 30 percent of Nigerians. Investments in these facilities are intended to complement public sector efforts and strengthen overall health infrastructure.
According to the statement: "As with all foreign assistance, the President and Secretary of State retain the right to pause or terminate any programs which do not align with the national interest, and the Trump Administration expects Nigeria to continue to make progress ensuring that it combats extremist religious violence against vulnerable Christian populations."
The United States has also indicated plans to sign additional multi-year bilateral MOUs on global health cooperation with other countries receiving U.S. health assistance as part of its ongoing America First Global Health Strategy.
