African countries urged to seek alternatives amid USAID funding suspension

May 21, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The Community Peoples Initiative Against AIDS (COPE-AIDS) is calling on African countries, including Nigeria, to develop a transition plan to address the suspension of USAID-funded health programs.

With the US President launching a 90-day halt on most foreign aid, COPE-AIDS is urging Africa to get creative in securing new financial support for critical health programs, particularly for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention.

The suspension of health-related assistance will mostly affect rural communities in Nigeria and Africa, where access to healthcare is already limited.

According to Mrs. Adeoye Feyisike, Chairperson of COPE-AIDS’ Board of Directors, “A decision has been taken in Washington which would affect Africa and rural dwellers…

“The solution is for African countries to increase health budget. They would not do it unless rural people put pressure on their legislative representatives.”

Nigeria is a significant recipient of US foreign aid, receiving $1.02 billion in 2023, with a large portion going towards healthcare programs.

However, the country’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including a low budget allocation of only about 4% of the annual budget to the health sector, far below the 15% target set by African leaders in the 2001 Abuja Declaration.

COPE-AIDS is urging African countries to invest more in healthcare to fill the gap left by the potential withdrawal of US support.

Mrs. Adeoye emphasized the need for increased health funding, transparent policy implementation, and new creative partnerships to sustain healthcare programs.

She also commended the Nigerian Federal Executive Council for approving $1 billion for healthcare sector reforms and allocating additional funds for HIV treatment packs.