The National Agency for the Control of AIDS(NACA) on Wednesday, 19 March, 2025 reassured Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that the country has a steady supply of antiretroviral drugs.
This is following the statement by the World Health Organisation that the United States’ decision to halt foreign aid has disrupted the supply of HIV treatments in Nigeria, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Ukraine.
The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, at a press briefing on Monday, 17 March, 2025 stated that the halt of foreign aid by the U.S. government could put millions of lives at risk, and the disruptions to HIV programnes could undo 20 years of progress.
He also warned that this setback could lead to over 10 million new HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths while stating that the efforts to tackle HIV, polio, malaria, and tuberculosis have been impacted by the US foreign aid pause implemented by President Donald Trump shortly after he assumed office in January.
Meanwhile, a press statement by the Director General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government has taken proactive measures to address the potential shortage of HIV drugs in the country.
The statement partly read, “The Federal Executive Council approved $1.07bn to finance the healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity programme, and also approved N4.8bn for HIV treatment, while the Nigerian Senate also recently allocated an additional N300bn to the health sector in the 2025 budget.
“These allocations are part of the government’s efforts to cushion the impact of the US government’s aid pause and close the immediate funding gap.
“While acknowledging the US government’s support and partnership over the past two decades, the Nigerian government sees this pause as an opportunity to mobilise resources, take ownership, and ensure the sustainability of HIV response in the country.
“We want to assure Nigerians, particularly those living with HIV, that there is no shortage of drugs and consumables, and no immediate stop of services for HIV treatment, testing, and prevention in Nigeria. Our treatment centers and pharmacies will continue to have sufficient anti-retroviral drugs, ensuring uninterrupted access to care.”
The Chairman, House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Dr. Amobi Ogah, on Tuesday also noted that the Federal Government has allocated N700bn for the fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, malaria, and immunisation.
Ogah highlighted that the allocation is also coming in the wake of the US administration’s withdrawal of financial support to HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria in Nigeria.
NACA, however, restated its commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality HIV prevention, treatment, and care services.
