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.
Issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Sunday, the agreement is part of efforts to advance the America First Global Health Strategy. A key component of the MoU is targeted funding for Christian faith-based health providers across the country.
“The MoU includes approximately $200 million 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”, the statement said.
The U.S. Mission highlighted the critical role of Christian health facilities in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities. “Christian faith-based clinics represent about 10 per cent of providers in Nigeria but serve more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s 230 million people, often in underserved areas”, it noted.
The statement emphasised 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 per cent 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 agreement, the United States will provide $2.1 billion in support, while Nigeria is expected to invest $3 billion in new domestic health spending over five years, the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy.
“This five-year MoU will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives, and make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous”, the U.S. Mission said. The Department of State added that the agreement is tied to recent reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at protecting Christian communities from violence.
The MOU is intended to complement public healthcare services and strengthen Nigeria’s overall health infrastructure. “Nigeria’s 900 faith-based clinics and hospitals currently serve more than 30 per cent of Nigerians, and investments in these facilities are uniquely positioned to complement efforts in public-run facilities”, the statement said.
U.S. officials also noted that assistance under the MoU remains subject to review.
“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”, it added.
The America First Global Health Strategy, released in September 2025, applies to countries receiving US health assistance and shifts U.S. global health policy toward bilateral agreements, increased partner-country co-investment and expanded efforts to combat HIV, tuberculosis, malaria and other priority diseases while strengthening national health systems.
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