The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs as part of efforts to ensure continuous care for those living with the virus, particularly following Donald Trump’s executive order suspending US funding to a key donor organization providing AIDS relief in Nigeria.
The approval, announced after the FEC meeting on Monday, February 3, is part of the government’s initiative to strengthen domestic funding for HIV treatment, addressing concerns sparked by the temporary halt of funding to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This shift in US policy had raised fears over the impact on ongoing HIV treatment programs in Nigeria.
Health Minister, Muhammad Pate, highlighted the importance of maintaining HIV treatment efforts as the international aid landscape evolves.
Mr Pate noted that while global partners have played a crucial role in providing treatment support, the federal government is now taking deliberate steps to invest in life-saving interventions for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nigeria.
“This is an important signal that the federal government is committed to ensuring that life-saving treatments remain accessible, despite the changing dynamics in external support,” Mr Pate said.
Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS has been significantly aided by international donors, particularly PEPFAR, which has provided billions of dollars in funding over the past two decades.
PEPFAR, which provides HIV treatment to over 20.6 million people worldwide, faced a temporary funding suspension due to President Donald Trump’s executive order on foreign aid.
The order halted many overseas assistance programmes, putting millions at risk.
However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently granted an “emergency humanitarian waiver,” allowing PEPFAR to resume operations in 55 countries, including Nigeria.
In response to these uncertainties, Mr Pate reassured stakeholders that the Nigerian government is proactively developing a transition and sustainability plan to address potential funding shortfalls.