Reps to probe utilizations of $8.8bn grants for HIV, TB, malaria control

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate how Nigeria utilised over $8.8 billion in grants received between 2021 and 2025 to combat HIV, Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria.

The decision followed a motion moved by Rep. Philip Agbese (APC–Benue) during plenary on Tuesday.

Agbese noted that Nigeria received an estimated $1.8 billion from the Global Fund to tackle the three diseases from 2021 to 2025, in addition to $2.8 billion from USAID for health interventions covering HIV, malaria, polio, and tuberculosis between 2022 and 2024.

He further disclosed that the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) provided another $6 billion within the same period to strengthen the country’s HIV/AIDS response and healthcare systems.

According to him, while the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare oversees USAID grants, the Country Coordinating Mechanism Nigeria (CCM-N) is responsible for managing the Global Fund’s support.

Agbese, however, expressed concern that despite these massive investments, Nigeria still ranks among the countries with the highest burdens of HIV, TB, and malaria globally.

“In 2023, about 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurred among Nigerian children aged 0–14, while 51,000 deaths were recorded nationwide.

“Nigeria ranks third globally in HIV-related deaths and has the highest number of cases in West and Central Africa,” he said.

He added that Nigeria also ranks first in Africa and sixth globally in TB burden, accounting for 4.6% of global cases, while 26.6% of the world’s malaria cases and 31% of malaria deaths occur in Nigeria.

Agbese warned that without urgent oversight, Nigeria might fail to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal of eliminating HIV, TB, and malaria by 2030.

The House subsequently mandated the Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control to investigate the utilisation of the grants and report back within four weeks.

Lawmakers also urged the Minister of Health and Social Welfare to submit the implementation plan and evidence of National Assembly approval for the spending of the funds.