NIGERIA TO STRENGTHEN HIV RESPONSE AMID FOREIGN AID POLICY REVIEW
30-01-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment to intensifying domestic resource mobilization to ensure the sustainability of the country’s HIV response.
This move aims to reduce the risks associated with shifts in donor aid policies as well as to ensure that the country meets its strategic goals in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, made this known in a statement on Thursday while reacting to the recent executive order by the US government to reevaluate and realign its foreign aid, which includes a 90-day pause on foreign development assistance.
According to the statement, this decision has raised concerns among stakeholders regarding technical support and funding for Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) programmes.
Dr. Ilori who noted that Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in the West and Central African region, explained that over the past two decades, global partners had played a crucial role in supporting Nigeria’s HIV response, helping to scale up prevention, treatment, and care for those affected.
“The U.S government through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has immensely supported Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response over the years, particularly in sustaining the treatment of people living with HIV in Nigeria. PEPFAR Nigeria remains the biggest donor for treatment programme in the country as their contributions covers approximately 90% of the treatment burden,’’ she said.
Last week, the Trump Administration issued an executive order halting foreign aid for 90 days. However, in a significant development on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the U.S. administration issued a waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, allowing the continued distribution of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and medical support under PEPFAR in Nigeria.
Dr. Ilori expressed gratitude for this waiver but emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to prepare for potential changes in foreign aid under the new administration.
She stressed that through effective stakeholder collaboration, favorable policies, and strong advocacy, the nation can still achieve its target of ending AIDS by 2030.
She urged the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services at designated centers across the country and also called on state governors, private sector partners, lawmakers, civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders to remain committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Ilori also appreciated the US government and other international partners for their continued support, and reaffirmed that collective efforts are essential to sustaining progress in the national HIV response.