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In recent years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges in sustaining its fight against HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, three of the country’s most pressing public health threats. With a heavy reliance on external donor funding, the reduction in international aid, particularly from the United States, has created a funding gap exceeding $100 million for critical health interventions. In response, the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria and the National Assembly are spearheading efforts to mobilize domestic resources to ensure the continuity of these lifesaving programs. This blog post explores the context, strategies, and implications of Nigeria’s push for local funding to address HIV, TB, and malaria, highlighting the collaborative role of civil society, government, and international partners in this critical endeavor.
The Funding Crisis: A Growing Concern
Nigeria bears a significant portion of the global burden of HIV, TB, and malaria. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounts for nearly 27% of the global malaria burden, making it the highest in the world. Similarly, the country ranks among the top globally for TB cases, with over 50,000 new cases reported in recent months due to intensified screening efforts. HIV remains a major challenge, with Nigeria carrying nearly half of West and Central Africa’s HIV burden. Despite progress, such as a 60% treatment coverage rate for HIV, TB, and malaria and a significant reduction in mother-to-child HIV transmission, funding shortfalls threaten to reverse these gains.
The recent withdrawal of U.S. financial support, which amounted to $740 million in 2024 for malaria, HIV, and vaccine distribution programs, has exacerbated the crisis. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, a key partner in Nigeria’s health sector, requires countries to contribute at least 15% co-financing for these programs, a requirement Nigeria has struggled to meet. Budget gaps have led to the suspension of critical activities, including drug procurement, health worker training, and infrastructure improvements, putting millions of lives at risk.
CCM Nigeria’s Role in Mobilizing Resources
The Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria, as the national body overseeing Global Fund grants, has launched a strategic initiative to address this funding shortfall through domestic resource mobilization. At a recent workshop in Abuja, organized by the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, CCM Nigeria’s Executive Secretary, Tajudeen Ibrahim, emphasized the unsustainability of relying on foreign aid. “We need to take ownership of our health sector. We need to pay for the things that make for the good health of Nigerians,” he stated. The CCM has developed a unified framework to coordinate efforts across HIV, TB, and malaria programs, with a particular focus on securing local funding to meet the $2 billion annual requirement for comprehensive malaria interventions alone.
This framework aims to streamline resource allocation, enhance transparency, and ensure accountability in the use of funds. Ayo Ipinmoye, First Vice Chair of the Global Fund CCM, called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to work collaboratively to strengthen domestic resourcing, urging Nigerians to take ownership of their health sector. The CCM’s strategy includes engaging state governments, private sector partners, and local manufacturers to reduce dependency on imported medicines and diagnostics, thereby building a more resilient health system.
National Assembly’s Commitment to Health Funding
The National Assembly has emerged as a key player in this push for domestic funding. In March 2025, the Nigerian government allocated N700 billion (approximately $420 million at current exchange rates) to combat HIV, TB, and malaria, alongside enhancing immunization efforts nationwide. This allocation, announced by Amobi Ogah, Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria, marks a significant step toward bridging the funding gap left by donor withdrawals. The National Assembly’s TB Parliamentary Caucus, spearheaded by the same committee, is focused on mobilizing resources, influencing policy decisions, and ensuring accountability in TB eradication efforts.
Ogah emphasized the importance of transparency in fund disbursement, stating, “The committee on HIV will ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of these funds to ensure that funds made for interventions and programs are judiciously spent and not mismanaged.” The caucus is also advocating for Nigeria to meet its 2030 target to end TB, as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has called on lawmakers to actively participate in these efforts, assuring full legislative backing to rid Nigeria of TB and other infectious diseases.
Civil Society’s Unified Approach
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been instrumental in advocating for increased domestic funding. At a harmonization workshop in Abuja, CSOs developed a unified roadmap to mobilize local resources, driven by the recognition that foreign donor support is no longer sustainable. The Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, led by Acting Board Chair Queen Ogbuji-Ladipo, has urged the National Assembly to prioritize budget allocations for TB, particularly in light of declining donor support. “The world has set ambitious targets to end TB by 2030, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind,” Ogbuji-Ladipo declared.
CSOs are also pushing for innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and contributions from high-net-worth individuals, to supplement government efforts. Their advocacy extends to ensuring equitable access to healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where the burden of HIV, TB, and malaria is most acute. By aligning their strategies, CSOs aim to amplify their impact and hold the government accountable for meeting its funding commitments.
Local Manufacturing: A Game-Changer
One promising development in Nigeria’s quest for health self-reliance is the growth of local manufacturing. Codix Bio Ltd, a Nigerian company, plans to produce millions of HIV and malaria test kits at its new plant outside Lagos, filling gaps left by the reduction in U.S. funding. In partnership with South Korea’s SD Biosensor and with support from the World Health Organization, Codix Bio aims to roll out these kits in July 2025, enhancing access to diagnostics across Nigeria and the region.
Similarly, Emzor Pharmaceuticals’ $23 million investment in a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production facility in Ogun State represents a significant step toward reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported medicines. The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) has also facilitated agreements, such as one with Vestergaard to establish a manufacturing hub for dual-insecticide-treated bed nets, a critical tool in malaria prevention. These initiatives not only address immediate funding gaps but also strengthen Nigeria’s health system resilience by fostering local production capacity.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite these efforts, Nigeria faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable funding for HIV, TB, and malaria interventions. A lack of political will and leadership has historically hindered coordinated efforts, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare in rural areas remains a logistical challenge. The high cost of comprehensive interventions, particularly for malaria, which requires $2 billion annually, underscores the need for innovative financing models and sustained government commitment.
However, opportunities abound. Nigeria’s progress in TB screening, with over 25.5 million tests conducted using advanced diagnostic platforms, and the distribution of 16.6 million insecticide-treated nets for malaria prevention demonstrate the country’s capacity to scale up interventions when adequately funded. International partnerships with organizations like the Global Fund and the World Health Organization continue to provide technical assistance and financial support, which Nigeria can leverage to build local capacities. Moreover, the growing involvement of the private sector and local manufacturers offers a pathway to long-term sustainability.
The Road Ahead
The push for domestic funding by CCM Nigeria and the National Assembly reflects a broader shift toward health self-reliance in Africa. As donor funding declines, Nigeria’s ability to mobilize local resources will be critical to sustaining progress against HIV, TB, and malaria. The government’s N700 billion allocation, combined with CSO advocacy and local manufacturing initiatives, signals a commitment to closing the $100 million funding gap. However, success will depend on sustained political will, transparent governance, and equitable resource distribution.
To achieve the 2030 SDGs, Nigeria must continue to prioritize health investments, strengthen health systems, and foster regional collaboration. The words of Tajudeen Ibrahim resonate: “We need to take ownership of our health sector.” By doing so, Nigeria can not only bridge the funding gap but also set a precedent for other African nations grappling with similar challenges.
The collaborative efforts of CCM Nigeria, the National Assembly, and civil society organizations mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against HIV, TB, and malaria. By prioritizing domestic funding and local manufacturing, Nigeria is taking bold steps toward health sovereignty. While challenges remain, the country’s proactive approach offers hope for sustainable health interventions that can save millions of lives. As Nigeria navigates this transition, the global community will be watching, ready to support a nation determined to take charge of its public health future.
