In a landmark shift toward self-reliance, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a massive $346 million domestic co-financing commitment for 2026, signaling a departure from decades of heavy donor dependence. The announcement coincided with the historic rollout of Lenacapavir (LEN), a cutting-edge, long-acting injectable for HIV prevention.
This strategic pivot, backed by the President Tinubu-led administration, positions Nigeria as a global leader in domestic health financing and integrated disease control.
A Shift Toward National Ownership
The new funding model is part of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), designed to streamline health interventions under a unified national budget. Speaking at the 2026 World Tuberculosis Day Ministerial Press Briefing, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized that the era of fragmented, donor-led projects is ending.
“The responsibility for delivering health outcomes must rest with us. By aligning resources across all levels of government and working with partners in a coordinated manner, we are building a system that is efficient, effective, and capable of ending TB and HIV,” Pate stated.
The government also unveiled the Multisectoral Accountability Framework for TB (MAF-TB), a transparent system designed to track every naira spent and ensure performance across all 36 states.
Record Gains in Tuberculosis Control
Under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the country has reported its most significant progress in TB management to date. Key achievements highlighted in the report include:
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Case Detection: Jumped from 138,591 in 2020 to over 440,000 in 2025—the highest in Nigeria’s history.
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Success Rate: The national treatment success rate has reached a staggering 94%.
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Accessibility: Services for both TB and HIV are now being integrated and remain free at the point of care.
Despite these milestones, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, warned against complacency, noting that thousands of Nigerians still remain undiagnosed.
“These gains show what is possible with coordinated action. However, thousands remain undiagnosed. We must expand access, strengthen systems, and sustain financing to reach every Nigerian in need.” He stated.
The Twice-a-Year Breakthrough: Lenacapavir
A major highlight of the briefing was the official launch of Lenacapavir (LEN) for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Unlike traditional daily pills, this breakthrough medication is administered only twice a year, offering a practical and discreet alternative for high-risk populations.
Nigeria is one of only nine countries globally selected for the initial rollout. The first batch has already arrived, with implementation currently underway in the following eight states, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, Kwara, Gombe, Anambra, and Ebonyi.
Sustainability Through Accountability
“This is not only about new tools or increased financing, but about building a system that works for our people consistently, sustainably, and at scale,” Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom S. noted that the new strategy is “anchored in government leadership and powered by communities.”
By move toward domestic financing, Nigeria aims to ensure that life-saving tools like Lenacapavir remain available even if international donor priorities shift. Development partners and civil society organizations have already reaffirmed their support for this transition, praising Nigeria’s “reform trajectory.”
With a clear mandate to invest, lead, and benefit, Nigeria is moving aggressively to eliminate TB and HIV as public health threats by 2030.
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