Nigeria and the United States have marked two decades of collaboration in military health partnership, celebrating significant achievements in healthcare delivery, research, and capacity building.
The partnership between the Nigeria Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (NMODHIP) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) has transformed health outcomes for thousands of Nigerians, providing access to HIV care, building world-class laboratories, and training thousands of health workers.
The ceremony, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was attended by senior leaders from both countries, including the Honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mattawale, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. The partnership has achieved impressive results, including:
- HIV Treatment: Over 69,000 adults and children initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART), with over 40,900 currently on treatment
- HIV Testing: 1.6 million clients tested, resulting in the identification of 110,097 positives
- Pregnant Women Care: 277,975 pregnant mothers counseled and tested for HIV, with 15,098 positives identified and 13,377 placed on ART
- Capacity Building: Over 2,000 healthcare workers trained in HIV and TB management, and more than 50 laboratories upgraded nationwide
The partnership has also contributed to the fight against malaria through interventions under the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
Ambassador Mills emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This partnership has not only been about scientific advancement; it has been a testament to the power of unity.”
Both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the collaboration, building on past successes, and preparing for future health challenges.
