Richard Mills Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, has affirmed that Nigeria is the “giant of Africa” and hosts the largest health programming budget of any country for the United States.
Ambassador Mills made this declaration during the inauguration of the Tuberculosis Modular Laboratory at the Defence Reference Laboratory in Abuja. He highlighted Nigeria’s significant status as the most populous nation, the largest democracy, and one of the continent’s largest economies.
“It is no surprise that our partnership is extensive and vital. I am proud to announce that the U.S. government’s investment in the health of Nigerians reflects Nigeria’s prominence on the African continent,” he stated.
The ambassador emphasized that Nigeria is the recipient of the largest U.S. health programming budget globally, enabling critical funding and technical assistance for various health initiatives. These initiatives target infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, Mpox, and tuberculosis while also addressing broader health concerns, including nutrition, maternal and child healthcare, immunization, and global health security.
“Our commitment and collaborative efforts run deep and wide. We are dedicated to enhancing Nigeria’s overall health system, as exemplified by this project we are celebrating today,” he said.
Ambassador Mills pointed out that the partnership between Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defence serves as a model for advancing global health security.
He also remarked on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the shared vulnerabilities and the necessity for preparedness. “As President Biden says, no one is truly safe until everyone is safe. That’s why the United States is collaborating with countries worldwide, including Nigeria, to strengthen global health security capacities,” he concluded.
