The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a budget of N4.8 billion on Monday for the treatment of HIV patients in Nigeria.
This decision comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent move to suspend financial aid to countries for HIV treatment, among other issues.
Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement while briefing journalists following the Council meeting, which was chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Pate explained that the approved funds would be disbursed over four months to ensure the continued care of individuals living with HIV, even with the support of international partners.
Regarding the U.S. policy shift on HIV and tuberculosis aid, Pate noted that the Nigerian government is focusing on transforming the health sector through domestic financing. He added that a committee has been established, with representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Budget, Defense, Environment, and the Nigeria Governors Forum, to develop a sustainability plan.
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