The World Bank has approved $1.57 billion in financing for Nigeria to improve healthcare services and strengthen the country’s resilience against climate change impacts, such as flooding and drought. The announcement was made on Monday, with the international lender outlining its plan to support key sectors through three major projects.
The funds will focus on enhancing healthcare for women, children, and adolescents, as well as bolstering Nigeria’s ability to manage water resources and mitigate climate-related challenges.
The new financing package includes $570 million for the Primary Healthcare Provision Strengthening Program (HOPE-PHC), $500 million for improving governance in education and health (HOPE-GOV), and $500 million for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project (SPIN).
According to the World Bank, the HOPE-PHC project will support maternal and child health, aiming to reduce maternal and under-five mortality rates. It is expected to benefit 40 million people, particularly vulnerable populations, by improving the quality of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services. This initiative will also help strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system to withstand future challenges.
The HOPE-GOV program seeks to address governance gaps in both the basic education and healthcare sectors. The project will work on improving financial and human resource management, ensuring transparency, and enhancing the delivery of basic services across Nigeria.
Additionally, the SPIN project will focus on enhancing dam safety, improving irrigation systems, and providing climate-resilient water management solutions. This project will help protect citizens from the effects of floods and droughts while boosting agricultural productivity and hydropower generation.
Commenting on the initiative, Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, emphasized the importance of investing in health and education to improve the future prospects of Nigerians, particularly women and girls. He also highlighted that the SPIN program is timely, as it will mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather conditions and support the growth of Nigeria’s hydropower sector.
The World Bank reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these programs, which will have a direct positive impact on livelihoods across the country.
