National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has reassured HIV patients in Nigeria of adequate services amidst recent executive order signed by US President Donald Trump, which imposes a 90-day freeze on foreign aid spending.
The order affects funding for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) programs, raising alarm among health stakeholders in Nigeria.
A statement by the Director General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, stated that “Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in West and Central Africa, and international support has been critical in sustaining its HIV/AIDS response”.
“The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s global HIV/AIDS initiative, currently funds approximately 90% of Nigeria’s HIV treatment programs.”
“While the executive order initially threatened to disrupt lifesaving treatment, the Trump administration issued a waiver on January 28, 2025, allowing the continued distribution of antiretroviral (ARV) medications and essential medical services supported by PEPFAR.
“NACA welcomed this decision, noting that it provides temporary relief for HIV/AIDS programs in the country.”
NACA also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to reducing reliance on foreign aid by intensifying domestic resource mobilization.
The agency also stressed the need for increased collaboration among government officials, the private sector, civil society organizations, and the media to ensure a sustainable response to HIV/AIDS.
Ilori expressed appreciation to the U.S. government for the waiver and urged continued support from all stakeholders in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
She reassured patients that treatment services remain available and encouraged them to continue accessing care at service delivery points across the country.
The release also highlighted the government’s long-term goal of ending AIDS by 2030, stressing the importance of creating favorable policies and strengthening local funding mechanisms to safeguard Nigeria’s HIV response against external funding uncertainties.
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