- The Federal Government plans to intensify domestic resource mobilisation to ensure ownership and sustainability of the country’s HIV response
- The U.S. government has granted a waiver allowing the continued distribution of lifesaving HIV medications (ARVs) and medical services under PEPFAR
- Nigeria remains committed to achieving the global goal of ending AIDS within the next five years
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising domestic resources to ensure Nigeria’s ownership and sustainability of its HIV response.
The move aims to mitigate the risks associated with shifting donor aid policies.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has assured Nigerians that strategic measures are in place to achieve the country’s HIV/AIDS goals.
According to the agency’s Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Toyin Aderibigbe, Nigeria is focused on strengthening stakeholder collaboration, developing favourable policies, and advocating for policy support to meet the global target of ending AIDS by 2030.
In a statement, Aderibigbe acknowledged concerns over the Trump administration’s recent executive order, which temporarily suspended foreign aid for 90 days, including funding for HIV/AIDS programs.
However, the U.S. government has since granted a waiver for lifesaving HIV medications and medical services, ensuring that support under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) continues in Nigeria.
“Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in the West and Central African region. Over the past two decades, global partners have played a crucial role in supporting the country’s HIV/AIDS response, enabling the scale-up of prevention, treatment, care, and support services,” the statement read.
PEPFAR remains Nigeria’s largest donor for HIV treatment, covering approximately 90% of the treatment burden.
While the recent waiver allows for the continued distribution of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and essential medical services, the Nigerian government remains mindful of possible changes in foreign aid policies in the future.
In response, the government has pledged to intensify domestic resource mobilisation efforts to reduce reliance on foreign donors and secure a sustainable HIV response.
By fostering effective partnerships, creating an enabling policy environment, and advocating for increased local investment, Nigeria aims to maintain progress toward eradicating AIDS by 2030.
The government has also urged people living with HIV to continue accessing treatment services at designated healthcare facilities nationwide.
Additionally, it called on state governments, the private sector, legislators, civil society organisations, and the media to remain committed to supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“We deeply appreciate the U.S. government and all our international partners for their continued support of Nigeria’s national HIV response,” Aderibigbe concluded.
“People will die of AIDS,” Aproko doctor raises concern over Trump's HIV drug funding suspension
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that popular online personality Chinonso Egemba, known as Aproko Doctor, voiced serious concerns regarding the suspension of funding for HIV programs in Nigeria due to the actions of former US President Donald Trump.
Aproko Doctor pointed out that Nigeria has the world's second-highest number of people living with HIV. He emphasised that without adequate treatment, most affected will progress to AIDS.