The United States has signed a five-year health cooperation agreement with Nigeria aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system, with a particular focus on supporting Christian faith-based healthcare providers.
Washington announced the agreement on Saturday, describing it as part of broader efforts to improve health outcomes, expand access to quality medical services, and reinforce partnerships with non-governmental and faith-based institutions across Nigeria. The initiative is expected to support hospitals, clinics, and health programs run by Christian organizations, especially in underserved and conflict-affected communities.
According to U.S. officials, the agreement will prioritize areas such as maternal and child health, disease prevention, health workforce training, and improved healthcare delivery systems. Faith-based providers were identified as key partners due to their long-standing role in delivering essential medical services, particularly in rural areas where government facilities are limited.
The Nigerian government welcomed the partnership, noting that collaboration with international partners and faith-based institutions remains critical to addressing systemic challenges in the health sector. Officials said the agreement aligns with Nigeria’s broader health reform agenda and commitment to achieving universal health coverage.
The five-year cooperation framework is also expected to deepen diplomatic ties between both countries while reinforcing the role of community-based healthcare providers in improving public health resilience nationwide.