In response to concerns over the U.S. decision to temporarily halt funding for HIV treatment in Nigeria, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government will ramp up domestic resource mobilization to ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation’s HIV response.
This statement, issued by NACA’s Director General, Dr. Temitope Ilori, follows an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend funding for 90 days while a review takes place. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later approved an Emergency Humanitarian Waiver, ensuring that HIV treatment funded by the U.S. government would continue in 55 countries, including Nigeria.
UNAIDS confirmed that this waiver permits the continuation of critical life-saving medical assistance, including HIV treatments and supplies. This development came after reports that the halt in funding could impact the availability of drugs and testing kits, potentially leading to an increase in new infections and AIDS-related deaths in Nigeria.
PEPFAR, under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, supports over 20 million people living with HIV globally, two-thirds of those receiving treatment worldwide, including a significant portion of Nigeria’s population.
HIV remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with approximately two million people living with the virus. A recent NACA survey shows an HIV prevalence rate of 1.3 percent in the country. Nigeria also has the highest number of people living with HIV in West and Central Africa, and international support has been crucial in managing the HIV/AIDS crisis.
Dr. Ilori emphasized that PEPFAR currently funds about 90 percent of Nigeria’s HIV treatment programs, and the waiver provides relief, ensuring the continuity of HIV medications and medical services in the country.
NACA expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for the waiver, while acknowledging the possible changes in foreign aid policies under the new U.S. administration. The agency reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing domestic funding to reduce reliance on external aid and to ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s HIV response.
Dr. Ilori further stated, “The government will strengthen domestic resource mobilization to ensure that we maintain ownership of the HIV response, reducing the risks associated with shifts in donor aid policies. Through collaboration with stakeholders, favorable policies, and strong advocacy, Nigeria remains on track to meet the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.”
NACA encouraged people living with HIV to continue accessing treatment services at health facilities across the country and urged continued support from state governors, the private sector, legislators, civil society, and other key stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
