FEC APPROVES MEMORANDUM SEEKING TO OBTAIN USD1.07B FROM IDA TO ENHANCE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE DELIVERY AND PRIMARY EDUCATION 03-02-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the memorandum seeking Nigeria to obtain 1.07 billion dollars from the International Development Association, IDA, to enhance primary healthcare delivery and primary education.
The Co-ordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, who stated this in Abuja while briefing State House correspondents on the approval, explained that the fund would be divided equally between the two sectors.
The grants, which are in two parts of 500 million dollars each, are concessional loans set aside for Nigeria since September, last year, by the World Bank’s concessional financing arm, the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, Hope, programme.
As part of broader healthcare reforms, the Minister said FEC had equally approved 4.8 billion Naira for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months, explaining that another 70-million dollars grant has been secured from other international bodies.
“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” Pate said. “Additionally, $500 million is dedicated to expanding the quality, utilization, and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services, The Minister explained.”
Professor Pate said FEC had set up a committee to find appropriate ways of mitigating the likely effects of changes in the US policy on Nigeria’s health programmes.
“A multi-ministerial committee, including representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Health, Defense, and Environment, as well as the Governors’ Forum, has been tasked with developing a transition and sustainability plan to mitigate potential funding disruptions. This administration is committed to ensuring that those receiving treatment do not experience interruptions, he emphasised”
He said Nigeria was appreciative of the U.S. government’s contributions to Nigeria’s health sector, adding that Nigeria remains committed to a constructive partnership that will strengthen her healthcare system with domestic resources.