The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has expressed concern over the recent executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign aid spending, including funding for HIV/AIDS programmes in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director General National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said Nigeria has the highest number of people living with HIV in the West and Central African regions, with its HIV/AIDS response heavily reliant on international funding.
Over the past two decades, global partners have supported Nigeria’s efforts in prevention, treatment, and care.
The U.S. government, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), remains Nigeria’s largest donor, covering approximately 90% of the treatment burden.
Last week, the Trump administration issued an executive order halting foreign aid for 90 days.
However, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the administration issued a waiver for lifesaving medicines and medical services, offering a reprieve for a worldwide HIV treatment programme.
NACA said, “The Nigerian government appreciates the U.S. government waiver and is mindful of the potential change to foreign aid in the near future under the new administration.
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“The Nigerian government would intensify domestic resource mobilisation strategies towards ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in the country with a view to reducing the risks of donor aid policy shifts to the HIV response while ensuring that the country’s strategic goals and targets in the fight against HIV are achieved.
“Through effective stakeholder collaboration, creating favourable policies and enabling environment and advocacy to policymakers, Nigeria can still achieve the target of ending AIDS by 2030.
“We encourage the patient community to continue accessing HIV treatment services in service delivery points across the country and appeal to all our State Governors, private sector partners, all the honourable members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, civil society organisations, the media and all other relevant stakeholders, to continue in their commitment and support to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
“We appreciate the United States Government and all our international partners for their continued contributions and support to the national HIV response.”
