U.S. Ambassador Praises Nigeria as Africa’s Health Leader, Key U.S. Partner

U.S. Ambassador Praises Nigeria as Africa’s Health Leader, Key U.S. Partner

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has recognized Nigeria as a key health partner and the “giant of Africa,” noting the country’s importance in America’s largest global health programming budget.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Tuberculosis Modular Laboratory at the Defence Reference Laboratory in Abuja, Mills highlighted Nigeria’s prominent role in Africa, citing its large population, robust democracy, and significant economy.

“The U.S. government’s investment in Nigeria’s health sector reflects its stature in Africa,” Mills stated, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership in tackling infectious diseases, such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, while also addressing broader health issues like maternal healthcare and immunization.

Mills also stressed the critical nature of global health security, especially in light of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, reaffirming that no one is safe until everyone is safe.