Nigeria faces healthcare crisis as US suspends HIV treatment funding

NIGERIA— Doctors and public health experts in Nigeria have expressed grave concerns about the impact of the suspension of HIV treatment funding.

This move follows a directive from the US State Department under former President Donald Trump, which halted the disbursement of funds for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for at least 90 days.

PEPFAR, a critical HIV/AIDS treatment initiative, provides vital support to Africa and other developing nations, including Nigeria.

The suspension originates from an executive order issued by President Trump on his first day in office, which instructed all foreign development assistance programs to stop disbursing funds immediately. As a result, most US global health funding has been temporarily halted.

PEPFAR, with an annual budget of US$6.5 billion, has been instrumental in treating more than 20.6 million people living with HIV, helping to save lives and reduce the spread of the virus.

Since its inception, the program has been credited with saving an estimated 26 million lives globally.

However, due to the recent funding freeze, the program faces a potential suspension unless an exemption is granted in the coming weeks.

In Nigeria, a country with one of the highest HIV burdens in the world, the suspension of PEPFAR funding could have devastating consequences.

Approximately two million Nigerians are living with HIV, and many depend on PEPFAR for access to life-saving medications and healthcare support.

Over the years, the program has contributed over $6 billion to Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS response.

Without it, Nigeria may struggle to control the virus, and the health crisis could worsen.

Dr. Chinonso Egemba, a Nigerian medical professional and social media influencer, expressed deep concern over the potential consequences of this funding cut.

 He warned that Nigeria could see a rise in HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria infections if the country continues to depend on external donations for healthcare.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Egemba urged the government to take immediate action, emphasizing that without access to antiretroviral drugs, those living with HIV will inevitably develop AIDS.

Dr. Egemba further highlighted the broader implications of the suspension, noting that Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system would face even greater challenges in tackling diseases like tuberculosis and malaria.

With nearly 200,000 new HIV infections each year, the suspension of PEPFAR funding could lead to more deaths and a worsening public health crisis.

He called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing that the country can no longer afford to rely on foreign donations to meet its healthcare needs. 

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