Global Fund Allocates N1.16 Trillion for HIV, TB, and Malaria Control in Nigeria
The Global Fund has announced a substantial allocation of approximately N1.16 trillion, equivalent to $790 million, to bolster Nigeria's efforts in combating HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and strengthening health systems for the implementation period spanning 2027 to 2029. This funding initiative underscores a critical partnership aimed at enhancing public health outcomes across the nation.
Counterpart Funding and Sustainability Warnings
In alignment with the Global Fund's Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), the Federal Government of Nigeria is expected to contribute 15 percent in counterpart funding, supplementing its existing co-financing commitments. However, the Global Fund has issued a stern caution regarding potential disruptions in TB control financing. It warns that Nigeria risks reversing significant gains achieved in the fight against TB if adequate and consistent domestic funding is not maintained. The organization emphasizes that with continued investment, robust health systems, and sustained innovation, Nigeria can eliminate TB as a public health threat.
Progress and Innovations in Disease Control
Jean-Thomas Nouboussi, the Global Fund Team Lead in Nigeria, highlighted these points during the official launch of Lenacapavir (LEN) PrEP for HIV prevention and the unveiling of the Multisectoral Accountability Framework for TB (MAF-TB) application in Abuja. He noted remarkable progress in TB control, with treatment coverage surging from about 100,000 cases in 2019 to approximately 458,000 cases in 2025. Treatment coverage has reached around 90 percent, accompanied by high success rates, positioning Nigeria's TB programme as one of the strongest supported by the Global Fund.
"This achievement has been driven by the country's early adoption of new technologies and innovations. While the Global Fund remains a committed partner, sustaining these gains depends on strong national ownership and consistent government funding," Nouboussi stated. He stressed that uninterrupted funding is crucial to maintaining progress, as any gaps could undermine advances already made.
Advancements in HIV Prevention
Nouboussi also underscored the deployment of Lenacapavir (LEN) PrEP as a major milestone under the Global Fund Strategy 2023–2028, aimed at expanding access to innovative HIV prevention tools. The Global Fund plans to reach two million people with Lenacapavir by 2028 across nine early adopter countries, including Nigeria, which is expected to receive about 179,700 doses. He described Lenacapavir as a significant advancement in HIV prevention, noting its long-acting injectable format helps address adherence challenges associated with daily oral medication.
"It offers hope for reaching populations previously underserved due to adherence barriers. For the first time, a new HIV prevention tool is being introduced simultaneously in developing and developed countries," he added.
Government Achievements and Challenges
In his remarks, Dr. Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, reported that Nigeria's TB response has achieved significant milestones, with case notifications rising from 130,591 in 2020 to 440,000 in 2025—the highest ever recorded in the country. He attributed this progress to the expansion of diagnostic infrastructure, particularly the GeneXpert network, which has grown from 32 machines in 2012 to 527 nationwide. Salako added that treatment centres increased from 39 in 2013 to 372 currently, while treatment success rates remain high at 94 percent.
Despite these gains, he noted that many TB cases remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need for sustained innovation, wider access, and increased domestic funding. On HIV, the minister said Nigeria has made strong progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, with 93 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, 99 percent of those diagnosed on sustained treatment, and 95 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. He also noted improvements in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, with coverage rising from 33 percent in early 2023 to nearly 70 percent by the end of 2025.
Salako described Lenacapavir as a transformative tool in HIV prevention, citing its twice-yearly injectable format, high efficacy, and convenience, especially for individuals facing stigma or challenges with daily medication adherence. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining funding for TB and HIV programmes as part of Nigeria's universal health coverage agenda.
Efficient Resource Utilization in a Changing Global Landscape
Also speaking, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stressed the need for efficient use of resources amid shifting global financing realities. "The global landscape is changing rapidly, with financing becoming increasingly constrained. In such a context, innovation becomes critical to sustaining progress," he said. Pate noted that while Nigeria has recorded notable achievements in combating HIV, TB, and malaria over the past 25 years, evolving global challenges require new approaches and strategies.
He added that less than 10 percent of Nigeria's health financing is externally sourced, while over 90 percent is funded domestically through government spending and household contributions, highlighting the importance of efficient resource utilization to ensure long-term health sustainability.
