The World Health Organisation has said Nigeria has added an extra $200 million to its 2025 health budget to help reduce the effects of sudden international funding cuts.
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, made this known in a speech published on the organisation’s website on Sunday, April 13.
He explained that the budget increase was part of efforts by countries to adjust to recent challenges caused by a drop in international health aid.
“In response, countries are revising budgets, cutting costs, and strengthening fundraising and partnerships,” Ghebreyesus said.
“For example, Nigeria has allocated an additional US$200 million to health in its 2025 budget. South Africa also added $1.5 billion to its health budget, while Kenya requested an extra $250 million. Ghana is taking steps to cover its health funding gap,” he added.
This move comes after health services were disrupted in 70 percent of WHO country offices due to a sudden suspension and reduction in foreign health aid.
In January, the United States government, under President Donald Trump, signed an executive order to pause foreign aid for 90 days. Although a waiver was later given for life-saving medical services — including HIV treatment under the PEPFAR programme — the damage had already affected many health systems.
WHO noted that the drop in aid led to serious issues such as closed hospitals, job losses for health workers, increased health costs for patients, and shortages of medical supplies in many countries.
Dr Ghebreyesus said WHO has been helping countries reduce their dependence on foreign aid and instead build stronger systems using local resources.
“WHO is now supporting countries to speed up that transition to avoid the health impacts that these sudden and unplanned cuts are having,” he said.
He also urged countries to protect the poorest from high health bills, avoid shutting down health services, and find better ways to use available resources.
He advised that countries can raise new funds through taxes on harmful products like tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks. “Several countries, including South Africa and Sri Lanka, have already done this and seen health improve and more money come in,” he noted.
Dr Ghebreyesus said that in the long term, countries can also introduce health insurance systems to support their people. But he added that some nations may need loans with low interest from development banks, especially those with weak tax systems.
“WHO is working with affected countries to identify the best steps for them and provide needed support,” he said.
