The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has highlighted the need for increased health funding in Nigeria. He said, of every ₦1,000 spent on healthcare, only about ₦100 comes from external sources, ₦300 from all levels of government, and ₦600 from private sources, including households and out-of-pocket expenses.

Speaking before the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria in Abuja, he emphasized that healthcare is a shared responsibility of federal, state, and local governments. While the federal government is actively collaborating with states and local governments, each level must contribute to achieving the administration’s goal of transforming the health sector and building human capital.

Committee Chairman Hon. Amobi Ogah emphasized the need for increased domestic health funding and reduced reliance on foreign aid. He noted that while the U.S. government has withdrawn financial support for African health systems, Nigeria has responded by allocating more resources to combat diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria turning the situation into a potential advantage.The minister however assured Nigerians that, despite financial constraints, the government is committed to providing essential healthcare services.