Reps Investigate $4.6bn Health Grants for HIV, Malaria

The House of Representatives is probing the utilization of $4.6 billion in health grants aimed at combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in Nigeria. The committee on infectious diseases, chaired by Amobi Ogah, emphasized the need for stricter oversight and improved coordination among implementing organizations during an oversight visit in Abuja.

The funds, sourced from the Global Fund, are intended to support Nigeria's response to major infectious diseases from 2021 to 2025. Ogah stated that recipients will no longer operate as usual and must submit program plans directly to the National Assembly for approval, alongside quarterly reports detailing activities.

Nigeria remains one of the largest beneficiaries of Global Fund support, receiving billions annually to address public health challenges. The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria reported receiving $359.4 million from the Global Fund for 2021-2026, while Family Health International disclosed $290.44 million received from January 2021 to December 2023.

The committee has mandated all direct beneficiaries to submit detailed financial records for scrutiny.