By Peter Adelowo
The Federal Government has affirmed 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.
A statement signed by the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori, in Abuja says this follow the recent executive order by the US government to re-evaluate 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.
The statement notes that Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in the West and Central African region, stressing 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” she adds.
“PEPFAR Nigeria remains the biggest donor for treatment programme in the country as their contributions covers approximately 90% of the treatment burden,’’ she stresses.
According to the statement last week, the Trump Administration issued an executive order halting foreign aid for 90 days but 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.
According to the statement Dr. Ilori expresses gratitude for this waiver but emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to prepare for potential changes in foreign aid under the new administration.
It stresses that through effective stakeholder collaboration, favorable policies, and strong advocacy, the nation can still achieve its target of ending AIDS by 2030.
The statement urges the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services at designated centers across the country and also calls on state governors, private sector partners, lawmakers, civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders to remain committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
