United States to increase number of Christian hospitals in Nigeria

Nigerians in a camp for displaced persons. Photo: STEFAN HEUNIS/AFP via Getty Images

The United States of America and Nigeria have signed a five-year healthcare agreement worth $5.1 billion, under which a significant portion of the funds will be directed toward supporting Christian medical institutions. This was reported by The Christian Post.

According to the United States Department of State, the American side will allocate approximately $2.1 billion to combat HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, poliomyelitis, and to support maternal and child healthcare. Nigeria, for its part, has committed to investing $3 billion in the development of its national healthcare system.

Of the funds allocated by the U.S., around $200 million will be directed to more than 900 Christian medical institutions operating throughout Nigeria. These clinics and hospitals serve over 30 percent of the population, despite accounting for only about 10 percent of all medical facilities in the country, according to a statement from the U.S. mission in Nigeria.

The agreement links U.S. support to recent reforms by the Nigerian government aimed at protecting the Christian population from targeted violence. It includes provisions for expanding comprehensive treatment services for infectious diseases and for maternal and child healthcare in Christian-run institutions.

In Washington, officials emphasize that the agreement is being implemented within the framework of the “America First” strategy and is intended to strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare system, including in regions affected by the activities of Islamist groups.

As the UOJ previously reported, the United States sent a congressman to Nigeria following statements about the genocide of Christians.

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