U.S. strengthening healthcare, transparency, human rights in Nigeria —Envoy
By Mark Longyen
Amb. Richard Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, says his country is working to strengthen healthcare, transparency, and human rights in Nigeria, stressing that the nation requires progress in key areas.
Mills, who made this known in a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, said that the U.S. remained Nigeria’s steadfast partner in these critical areas of their bilateral relations for national development.
The envoy noted that towards this end, yearly in December, the U.S. marks three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership.
He listed the celebrations as the World AIDS Day; International Anti-Corruption Day; and Human Rights Day.
According to him, these commemorations, while distinct, underscore the simple truth that these issues are accorded top priorities in the partnership between the two nations.
“For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
“The U.S. government has invested more than 8.3 billion dollars in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people.
“These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families,” he said.
Amb. Mills said that during his recent visit to clinics across Nigeria, he had met dedicated healthcare workers who delivered HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by U.S. resources.
He said that such interventions had done more than save lives, adding that using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system had greatly benefited.
“As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains,” the ambassador emphasised.
He recalled that such commitment was reinforced during the recent visit to Nigeria of Dr John Nkengasong, U.S. Department of State’s Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy.
The envoy said that Nkengasong held discussions with Nigerian health officials focusing on how the Nigerian Government would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.
Speaking on transparency as a critical element of good governance, Mills said that positive health outcomes depended on good governance.
“When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives.
“This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
“Our programmes work directly with government agencies and civil society organisations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries,” he said.
On strengthening human rights, Ambassador Mills said that the success of the aforementioned efforts rested on respect for human rights and civic engagement.
He said that this often happened when members of marginalised communities faced discrimination in accessing healthcare; when citizens feared reporting corruption; and when vulnerable populations could not advocate for their needs.
“Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.
“Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organisations to advocate for marginalised communities, leading to better access to health services.
“Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors.
“Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities — a shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue,” he said.
The ambassador further said that the U.S. Embassy was ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Mills said that the U.S. was inspired by the dedication of Nigerian government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens to build a stronger nation.
“Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians.
“Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.
“The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government,” he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
